Directions: Each item consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words.

The 'Jataka Tales' present moral narratives in the form of allegories.

An allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Both words refer to narratives that convey a moral message.

An aphorism is a concise statement of a scientific principle or a general truth.

An adage is a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.

An enjambment is the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza in poetry.

Therefore, 'parables' is the word nearest in meaning to 'allegories'.

Answer: parables