"An allegory is not meant to be taken literally. There is a great lack of comprehension on the part of some readers"

Naguib Mahfouz's quote is referring to the reality that some readers might not understand the much deeper meaning of an allegory. An allegory is a story, poem, or image that can be translated to reveal a hidden significance, typically a moral or political one. It is not suggested to be taken actually, as the characters and events in the story are frequently symbolic of something else. The quote recommends that some readers might not have the ability to comprehend the deeper significance of an allegory, and may take it at stated value. This absence of comprehension can lead to a misconception of the story's real message. Mahfouz's quote is a suggestion to readers to look beyond the surface of an allegory and to try to comprehend the deeper meaning behind it.