Hot House Flowers is a children’s book written by John H. Wilson, a Brooklyn criminal court judge. The book is an allegory that compares illegal immigration to dandelions that overrun a greenhouse. Wilson self-published the book and illustrated it with Marina Tsesarkaya’s drawings. The plot of the book revolves around a dandelion from outside a …
Examples of Allegories
The Vegetarian, written by Han Kang, is a novel that has captured the attention of readers worldwide. The book, published in 2007, is a story of a woman named Yeong-hye who decides to become a vegetarian. The novel is divided into three parts, each narrated by a different character, and explores themes such as mental …
Sangō Shiiki is a dialectic allegory written by Kūkai in 797. It compares and critiques Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, making it Japan’s oldest comparative ideological critique. Kūkai wrote this debut work when he was only 24 years old, showcasing his literary talent and his understanding of the three teachings. In Sangō Shiiki, Kūkai discusses the …
Hiram Abiff is a central character in the allegory presented to all candidates during the third degree in Freemasonry. He is presented as the chief architect of King Solomon’s Temple, and his story is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. According to legend, Hiram is murdered inside the temple by three ruffians after they failed to …
The Metamorphoses by Ovid is a classic work of literature that has been studied and analyzed for centuries. The poem is a collection of myths and legends from Greek and Roman antiquity, each involving a transformation of some kind. The work is divided into fifteen books and contains over 250 individual stories, ranging from the …
Mother! is a 2017 psychological horror film directed by Darren Aronofsky. The movie stars Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem as a couple whose tranquil life is disrupted by unexpected guests. The film is widely regarded as an allegory, with Aronofsky himself stating that it is a commentary on environmentalism, the Bible, and the creative process. …
The Floure and the Leafe is a Middle English allegorical poem that has been attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer for many years. However, it is now believed to have been written anonymously around 1470. The poem is a beautiful example of Middle English literature, and it is considered one of the finest works of its time. …
“The Summer Book” by Tove Jansson is a novel that explores the relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter Sophia. The story is set on a small island in the Gulf of Finland where the two spend their summer together. The novel is written as a series of vignettes that capture the simplicity and beauty …
Henry James’s “The Turn of the Screw” is a classic ghost story that has fascinated readers for over a century. The novella was first published in 1898 and has since become one of James’s most popular works. The story follows a governess who is hired to care for two young children at a remote country …
Guram Dochanashvili’s “The First Garment” is a well-known allegorical novel that retells the biblical story of the Prodigal Son. The book’s central character, Domenico, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening after leaving his family and home. The novel is a poignant exploration of love, forgiveness, and redemption that has resonated with readers …