Overallegorizing

Overallegorizing refers to the act of interpreting a work of art, literature, or other creative expression as having a single, overarching symbolic meaning beyond its literal interpretation. This process often involves assigning symbolic significance to every character, object, event, or detail within the work, suggesting a hidden message or moral lesson that is believed to be the primary intent of the creator.

While allegory is a recognized literary device where characters and events represent abstract ideas or principles, overallegorizing occurs when this interpretive lens is applied too rigidly or excessively. Critics of overallegorizing argue that it can detract from the aesthetic qualities and inherent narrative of the work, imposing a singular, often subjective, meaning that may not have been intended by the artist. It can lead to a reductionist view, where the complexity and multifaceted nature of the creation are overlooked in favor of a predetermined symbolic framework.

This phenomenon is sometimes seen in academic analysis, literary criticism, and even casual discussion of art. The danger lies in the potential for misinterpretation and the imposition of an author's intended meaning that may be debatable or absent. Instead of appreciating the work for its own sake, overallegorizing seeks to decode it as a puzzle with a single correct solution.