The word "apologue" is a term used to describe a moral fable or allegory. Despite its relatively common usage in literature, the spelling of this word can sometimes present a challenge to English speakers. The correct spelling of "apologue" is typically pronounced uh-puh-lawg or uh-puh-log according to IPA phonetic transcription. It is important to note that the silent "e" at the end of the word serves to elongate the vowel sound of the preceding "o".
Apologue, noun:
1. A brief allegorical narrative or fable that conveys a moral or emphasizes a particular lesson or truth, often involving animal characters or mythical beings. It is a literary genre that utilizes metaphorical storytelling to impart wisdom, teach ethics, or offer insight into human behavior.
2. A form of rhetorical device used in argumentation or persuasion, particularly in philosophical or moral discourse, where a concise and imaginative story or anecdote is employed to illustrate or support a point, making it more relatable and memorable to the audience.
3. Originating from the Greek "apologos," meaning "fable" or "story," an apologue serves as a didactic tool, aiming to entertain, educate, or persuade while using symbolic characters or events to effectively convey its message.
4. Apologues can be found in various literary traditions, such as Aesop's Fables or the ancient Indian collection of stories known as the Panchatantra, as well as in religious texts, where parables are employed by figures such as Jesus in the Bible or the Buddha in Buddhist teachings.
5. Through the use of allegory and fictional narratives, apologues allow complex ideas to be communicated in a simple and accessible manner, enabling readers or listeners to comprehend and internalize the morals or insights being conveyed. As a genre, apologues hold enduring cultural and literary significance, continuing to shape moral ideologies and philosophical debates to this day.
A story; a moral fable.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "apologue" is derived from the Greek word "apologia", which means a speech in defense or justification. It entered the English language in the early 18th century from the French word "apologue", which also means "a moral or instructive story". The French term in turn came from the Latin "apologia", meaning a defense or a speech in one's own behalf. The word "apologue" is often used to describe a story or fable that conveys a moral lesson or teaches a specific principle.