In the following question, select the one word that best substitutes the given phrase: “A story that expresses ideas through symbols.”

Introduction / Context:
This one word substitution question tests your knowledge of literary terms. The phrase “a story that expresses ideas through symbols” refers to a specific narrative technique in which characters, events and objects stand for deeper meanings. Knowing this term is important for analysing fiction, poetry and religious writings where symbolic narratives are common.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase clearly points to a story in which concrete elements symbolise abstract ideas or moral principles.
• Allegory is a literary device in which characters and events represent ideas and concepts, so the entire story works on two levels, literal and symbolic.
• Armoury is a place where weapons are kept.
• Amatory relates to love or sexual desire.
• Aleatory refers to something depending on chance.
• The correct answer must be a literary term for symbolic storytelling.

Concept / Approach:
In literary studies, an allegory is a narrative where nearly every element has a symbolic meaning, such as in some fables and moral tales. Words like Amatory, Aleatory and Armoury belong to completely different semantic fields. Matching the phrase “expresses ideas through symbols” with the known definition of Allegory yields the answer. Recognising common literary terminology like allegory, metaphor and fable is valuable for exam passages and analysis questions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that the phrase describes a kind of story, not a place or emotion. Step 2: Consider Allegory. It is defined as a story, poem or picture that can be interpreted to reveal hidden meanings, typically moral or political, through symbolic figures or actions. Step 3: Examine Armoury. This word denotes a storehouse for weapons or armour, clearly unrelated to stories or symbolism. Step 4: Examine Amatory. This adjective describes something related to love making or romantic desire, not symbolic stories. Step 5: Examine Aleatory. This term means depending on the throw of a die or on chance, used in law, music or philosophy. Step 6: Only Allegory matches the phrase about expressing ideas through symbols, so it is the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of classic examples. Stories such as “The Pilgrim's Progress” or “Animal Farm” are often described as allegories because their characters and events symbolise broader social or moral realities. When critics say “This novel is an allegory of war,” they mean that its story is symbolic. Using Armoury, Amatory or Aleatory in such sentences would be incorrect. Dictionary definitions of Allegory confirm that it is precisely the term for symbolic storytelling.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Armoury describes a physical storehouse of weapons, Amatory describes love related matters, and Aleatory describes randomness. None of these concepts has anything to do with narratives that represent ideas through symbols. Therefore, they cannot substitute for the phrase without changing the subject entirely.

Common Pitfalls:
Because several of the options end in -ory, students may confuse them. A good strategy is to link Allegory with the more familiar word Allegation or with the root allegor which relates to speaking in another way, hinting at hidden meaning. Building small associations like this helps you retain the correct term for exam use.

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute for “a story that expresses ideas through symbols” is Allegory, so the correct answer is option Allegory.