“The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a classic short story that has become a staple in American literature. The story follows a woman’s descent into madness as she is confined to a room with yellow wallpaper by her husband, who is also her doctor. The story is often cited as an early feminist …
Examples of Allegories
Persepolis is a graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi that tells the story of her childhood in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. The book is an allegory that explores the themes of identity, oppression, and freedom. Through the use of black and white illustrations, Satrapi depicts her experiences as a young girl growing up …
Dave Eggers’ “The Circle” is a dystopian novel that explores the dangers of a society that is too connected and too transparent. The story follows Mae Holland, a young woman who joins The Circle, a powerful and innovative tech company. As Mae climbs the ranks of the company, she becomes increasingly involved in its mission …
“The Man Who Died” is a novella written by D.H. Lawrence, published in 1930. The story is a reimagined telling of the life of Jesus Christ, had he survived being crucified. The novella has been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation, with many scholars considering it to be an allegory for Lawrence’s own …
“The Stone Angel” is a novel written by Margaret Laurence that tells the story of Hagar Shipley, a ninety-year-old woman reflecting on her life. The novel is divided into ten chapters that shift back and forth between the present and the past, revealing Hagar’s history through flashbacks. The stone angel monument represents Hagar’s pride, blindness …
“The Blind Assassin” by Margaret Atwood is a novel that has captivated readers with its intricate plot and literary devices. The book tells the story of Iris Chase and her sister Laura, with the narrative alternating between Iris’s present-day experiences as an elderly woman and her memories of her childhood and early life. One of …
The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic novel that has been widely read and studied since its publication in 1851. The novel is set in mid-19th-century Salem, Massachusetts, and revolves around the Pyncheon family and their ancestral home, which is believed to be cursed. The story explores themes of guilt, …
“The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga is a novel that explores the complex social and economic structures of contemporary India. The book follows the journey of Balram Halwai, a low-caste servant who rises to success as an entrepreneur. Through Balram’s story, Adiga provides a powerful commentary on the issues of class, corruption, and power dynamics …
“The Space Merchants” is a science fiction novel written by Frederik Pohl and C.M. Kornbluth in 1952. The novel was originally published as a serial titled “Gravy Planet” in the Galaxy Science Fiction magazine before being compiled into a single volume in 1953. The book is set in a future where corporations have taken over …
“The Time of the Hero” is a novel written by Mario Vargas Llosa, published in 1963. It is set in a Peruvian military school, where adolescents struggle to survive in a hostile and violent environment. The novel is known for its portrayal of corruption within the military school, which is seen as a reflection of …