The parable as a literary figure is a kind of figurative narrative, which by similarity or analogy, originates a teaching referring to a subject that is not explicit as such. It is basically a symbolic tale, or a relativity grounded in an acceptable observation. The purpose of the parables is to be able to leave a message to those who hear them; just as (according to the Christian gospels) Jesus did when narrating parables to teach all his followers.
The parable represents one of the simplest forms of the narrative, it recalls an environment and specifies an action and its consequences. Usually there is always a character who fights against a moral dilemma or carries out a questionable act. To later suffer the results of that action. Many cultural traditions are seen as parables.
The characteristics that distinguish a parable are:
- It is expressed in prose and is part of the epic genre.
- Its measure can be variable.
- It makes use of many metaphors.
- Of a didactic nature.
- Detail an action and its consequences.
- The characters found in the parable face many moral vicissitudes that ultimately make them suffer the result of their choice.
- They are little stories that represent everyday life.
Now, the moral purpose of the parable is fundamental, because it really is the legitimate purpose of the story that is told, the person must learn to reflect on their behavior and be able to capture it in a conceptual way, that is to say in a philosophical way.
The parable has an unquestionable literary piece, since they are very interesting stories, although their true purpose is of a moral nature.
