C.S. Lewis’s “The Great Divorce” is a classic allegorical tale that explores the concept of the afterlife and the consequences of the choices made during one’s lifetime. The story is set in a purgatorial state, where the souls of the deceased are given a chance to redeem themselves and move on to Heaven or descend …
Examples of Allegories
“The Glass Bead Game” is a novel by Hermann Hesse that explores the themes of enlightenment, the quest for knowledge, and the synthesis of intellectual and active life. Set in the 23rd century, the novel follows the life of Joseph Knecht, a gifted student who rises through the ranks of the intellectual elite to become …
Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut is a novel that explores the complexities of morality during World War II. Published in 1961, the novel was not initially well-received, but has since been recognized as a powerful work of allegory. The novel follows the life of Howard W. Campbell Jr., an American playwright who becomes a Nazi …
The Matrix film series, which includes The Matrix (1999), The Matrix Reloaded (2003), and The Matrix Revolutions (2003), has been hailed as a groundbreaking work of science fiction and a cultural phenomenon. The films, directed by the Wachowski siblings, have been praised for their innovative special effects, philosophical themes, and complex narrative structure. However, one …
“The Garden of Forking Paths” is a short story written by Jorge Luis Borges. It was first published in 1941 and is considered one of his most famous works. The story is a complex allegory that explores themes of time, free will, and the nature of reality. The story follows the character of Yu Tsun, …
Beloved by Toni Morrison is a novel that explores the psychological impact of slavery on individuals and communities. The story takes place in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the year 1873, and centers around the character of Sethe, a former slave who has escaped to freedom with her daughter Denver. The novel is widely regarded as a …
Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a classic piece of German literature that has stood the test of time. It is a two-part play that tells the story of a man named Faust who makes a deal with the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. The play is filled with symbolism and allegory, …
“The Moviegoer” is a novel by Walker Percy that was published in 1961 and won the National Book Award in 1962. The novel follows the story of Binx Bolling, a young stockbroker living in New Orleans, as he embarks on a search for meaning and authenticity in his life. While struggling with the overwhelming ordinariness …
If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler is a postmodern novel written by Italo Calvino and published in 1979. The book is known for its unique narrative structure and experimental style, which has made it a popular work among literary scholars and readers alike. The novel is divided into ten chapters, each of which is …
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison is a classic novel that explores the experiences of a nameless Black protagonist in a racially divided America. The novel is known for its powerful themes and motifs, including the use of allegory to convey deeper meanings. Through the protagonist’s journey, Ellison tackles issues of identity, racism, and societal expectations, …