The Devil’s Highway is a nonfiction book by Luis Alberto Urrea that tells the story of a group of illegal immigrants who became lost in the Yuma desert after their smuggler led them astray. The book is a harrowing account of the struggles that migrants face when attempting to cross the US-Mexico border. One of …
Examples of Allegories
Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage and Her Children” is a powerful play that explores the horrors of war and the human condition. The play is set during the Thirty Years’ War and follows the story of Mother Courage, a resourceful and enterprising woman who travels with the Swedish army, selling food, liquor, and supplies to soldiers. …
Miss Julie is a play written by August Strindberg, which was first performed in 1888. The play has been a subject of analysis and interpretation for over a century, with many scholars examining the allegorical elements of the play. The play is set on Midsummer’s Eve, and it explores the themes of class, gender, and …
“The Ghost Map” by Steven Johnson is a non-fiction book that tells the story of one of the most terrifying epidemics in London during the mid-19th century. The book centers on the outbreak of cholera and how it changed science, cities, and the modern world. Johnson uses London as a symbol for how a lack …
“The Happy Prince” is a short story written by Oscar Wilde that tells the story of a prince who, despite his luxurious life, is not truly happy. The story is an allegory that teaches readers about the importance of selflessness and compassion. The prince, who is a statue, sacrifices his own beauty and wealth to …
The Celestial Omnibus is a short story by E.M. Forster that is often regarded as a masterpiece of modern fantasy. The story follows the journey of a young boy named Cyril, who embarks on a magical journey through the countryside on a celestial omnibus. Throughout the story, Forster explores complex themes such as spirituality, imagination, …
The Age of Reason is a philosophical work by Thomas Paine, published in three parts between 1794 and 1807. The book is a defense of Deism, a religious philosophy that emphasizes reason and natural law, and a critique of organized religion. Paine argues that reason, rather than revelation, is the best guide to understanding God …
Lilith is a figure from Jewish mythology who is often associated with dark powers and the supernatural realm. She is mentioned in various texts, including the Bible, the Talmud, and other Jewish folklore. According to the Bible, Lilith was Adam’s first wife. However, she refused to submit to Adam’s authority and was subsequently banished from …
The Holy War is an allegorical novel written by John Bunyan and published in 1682. It tells the story of the town of Mansoul, which is besieged by the forces of the devil, and is later saved by the army of Emanuel. The novel is a religious allegory that uses the town of Mansoul to …
The Purple Cloud is a science fiction novel written by M.P. Shiel, which was first published in 1901. The book is set in the future and tells the story of Adam Jeffson, the last man alive after a poisonous purple cloud covers the Earth. The novel is known for its use of allegory, which adds …