Parable-1: Literary Device

Etymology of Parable

The word “parable” has entered English from the Greek word parabole. It means “comparison” or “analogy.” In ancient Greek literature, parabole used to refer to a type of speech to explain complex concepts or ideas through metaphors. It entered the English language in the 14th century. It refers to a brief, fictional narrative, illustrating a moral lesson or religious principle.

Literal Meanings

Literal Meaning 1: A Story or Narrative Illustrating a Moral or Religious Lesson

• Definition: It is a type of story or narrative used to illustrate a moral or religious lesson.
• Fictional or semi-fictional: Parables are often fictional or semi-fictional tales.
• Characters: The stories typically involve human characters, animals, or inanimate objects.
• Representation of concepts: These characters symbolically represent larger concepts or ideas.
• Metaphorical language: Parables employ metaphorical language to convey deeper truths or meanings.
• Historical or contemporary setting: The story may be set in a historical or contemporary context.
• Purpose: The main purpose of a parable is to convey a deeper truth or meaning.

Literal Meaning 2: Figure of Speech Explaining a Complex Concept through Comparison

• Definition: It also refers to a type of figure of speech, specifically an analogy or comparison.
• Complex or abstract concept: Parables are used to explain complex or abstract concepts.
• Familiar or concrete comparison: They achieve this by comparing the concept to something more familiar or concrete.
• Rhetorical device: Parables function as rhetorical devices.
• Example: A teacher might employ a parable to explain forgiveness by comparing it to watering a plant and aiding its growth.

Parable in Grammar

Grammatically, “parable” is a noun, which means it is a word used to name a person, place, thing, idea, or concept. As a noun, it functions as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb or preposition, or the object of a possessive construction. For example:

• The parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us about forgiveness. (subject of the sentence)
• Jesus often used them to explain spiritual truths to his followers. (object of the verb “used”)
• It could be difficult to understand without proper interpretation. (object of the preposition “of”)
• The message is of one of hope and redemption. (object of the possessive construction “of the parable”)

In addition to its use as a noun, it can also be used as an adjective to describe a type of story or narrative that is intended to teach a moral or religious lesson. For example, we might speak of a “parable-like” story or a “parable-esque” message.

Definition of Parable

It is a literary device that uses a short, fictional story to illustrate a moral or religious lesson. It often involves human characters or events that symbolize larger concepts or ideas, and the story is usually told in a simple, straightforward manner. They are often found in religious texts such as the Bible.

Types of Parable

Type of Parable	Definition	Example
Similitude Parables	It shows the use of simple comparisons or analogies to convey a message.	Parable of the Mustard Seed
		Parable of the Sower
Narrative	These parables tell a story with characters and events that illustrates a moral lesson or religious principle	Parable of the Prodigal Son
		Of the Good Samaritan
Exemplary	These present a specific example or case study that serves as a model for behavior.	Of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
		Parable of the Talents
Allegorical Parables	These use characters and events as symbols for larger concepts or ideas.	Parable of the Vine and the Branches
		Parable of the Wedding Banquet
Riddle Parables	These pose a question or challenge that requires interpretation or understanding.	Parable of the Rich Fool
		Parable of the Lost Coin

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M.H. “The Deconstructive Angel.” The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism, edited by Vincent B. Leitch, et al., 2nd ed., W.W. Norton, 2010, pp. 2090-2107.
2. Barthes, Roland. “The Structural Analysis of Narratives.” Image-Music-Text, translated by Stephen Heath, Hill and Wang, 1977, pp. 79-124.
3. Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. 2nd ed., University of Minnesota Press, 1996.
4. Frye, Northrop. The Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 1957.
5. Frye, Northrop. The Great Code: The Bible and Literature. Mariner Books, 1983.
6. David H. The Critical Tradition: Classic Texts and Contemporary Trends. 3rd ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2006.
7. Scholes, Robert. Structuralism in Literature: An Introduction. Yale University Press, 1974.
8. Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide. 3rd ed., Routledge, 2014.
9. Wellek, René, and Austin Warren. Theory of Literature. 3rd ed., Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1977.