“The Young King” is a captivating tale written by the renowned Irish playwright and author, Oscar Wilde. Published in 1891 as part of his collection of fairy tales, “The Young King” stands out as a thought-provoking and morally rich story that explores themes of power, wealth, and the true meaning of leadership. The allegory is …
Examples of Allegories
“The Prisoner of Heaven” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is the third book in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. The book is set in Barcelona in 1957 and follows Fermin Romero de Torres, a friend of the Sempere family who owns a struggling bookshop. The novel is a gothic adventure that explores themes of love, …
The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio is a collection of 100 short stories that were written in the 14th century. The book is set in Italy and tells the story of ten young people who flee Florence to escape the Black Death. The stories are told over ten days, with each day featuring a different theme. …
“The Constant Gardener” by John le Carré is a novel that explores themes of corruption, love, and betrayal. The story follows Justin Quayle, a British diplomat in Kenya, as he investigates the murder of his wife Tessa, an activist who was uncovering a pharmaceutical company’s unethical practices. The novel is a gripping tale that delves …
Breakfast of Champions is a novel written by Kurt Vonnegut and published in 1973. The book is a satirical commentary on American society and culture, and it has been widely acclaimed for its unique style and unconventional structure. The novel follows the story of Kilgore Trout, a struggling science fiction writer, and Dwayne Hoover, a …
John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a classic Cold War spy novel that has captivated readers since its publication in 1963. The novel follows Alec Leamas, a British spy who is sent to East Germany as a fake defector to sow disinformation about a powerful East German intelligence officer. …
“The War of the Worlds” is a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells that was first published in 1898. The book tells the story of an alien invasion of Earth, and has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and other media over the years. However, the novel is more than just an exciting adventure …
The Secret Pilgrim is a novel by John le Carré that was published in 1990. It is a framed story that takes place during an informal dinner talk given by George Smiley at a spy-training school in Sarratt. As Smiley talks, the first-person narrator, known only as “Ned,” recalls his own experiences in a long …
The Stepford Wives is a satirical science-fiction horror novel written by Ira Levin and originally published in 1972. The book tells the story of Joanna Eberhart, a photographer and political activist who moves with her husband and two children from New York City to Stepford. Upon arriving in Stepford, Joanna realizes something surprising: all the …
John le Carré’s “The Tailor of Panama” is a novel that uses allegory to explore the themes of power, corruption, and deception. The story is set in Panama, a country that is about to gain control of the Panama Canal, and follows the life of Harry Pendel, a British expatriate who is a tailor to …