Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand is a novel that has been the subject of much discussion and debate since its publication in 1957. The book is often considered an allegory for Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes individualism, reason, and capitalism. In the novel, Rand presents a dystopian vision of a society in which the …
Examples of Allegories
Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road” is a hauntingly beautiful novel that explores the depths of human emotion in a post-apocalyptic world. The story follows a father and son as they journey through a desolate landscape, struggling to survive against all odds. At its core, “The Road” is an allegory that delves into the themes of hope, …
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver is a novel that has gained widespread popularity for its allegorical representation of the postcolonial era in Africa. The story revolves around a family of six, the Prices, who move to the Belgian Congo in 1959 as missionaries. The novel is narrated by the five women of the family, …
“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 …
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, …