The Tower of Fools is an allegory that has been interpreted in various ways over the centuries. It is believed to have originated from Book VI of Plato’s Republic, which is a story about a ship with a dysfunctional crew. The allegory is intended to represent the problems of governance prevailing in a political system …
Examples of Allegories
“The Manuscript Found in Saragossa” is a frame-tale novel written by Count Jan Potocki in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The novel is narrated from the time of the Napoleonic Wars, and depicts events several decades earlier, during the reign of King Philip V of Spain. The story revolves around Alphonse van Worden, …
Valentin and Orson is a medieval romance story that has its roots in France. The story revolves around twin brothers, Valentin and Orson, who are separated during infancy and brought up in different environments. Valentin grows up to be a knight in the court of Pepin, while Orson is raised by a bear in the …
The Pilgrim’s Progress is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan, which was published in two parts in 1678 and 1684. The work is a symbolic vision of the good man’s pilgrimage through life. At one time second only to the Bible in popularity, The Pilgrim’s Progress is the most famous Christian allegory still in …
“The South” is a short story written by Jorge Luis Borges that has been analyzed and interpreted in various ways. Some have suggested that the story is an allegory for the history and identity of Argentina, while others have focused on the themes of isolation, identity, and transformation. The story follows the character Dahlmann, who …
“The Water of the Wondrous Isles” is a novel written by William Morris in 1896. The novel is a fantasy adventure story that follows the journey of a young woman named Birdalone as she navigates a series of strange and magical islands. Morris intended for the novel to be an allegory, using the story to …
“Under the Net” is a novel by Iris Murdoch that has gained popularity for its unique blend of philosophical and picaresque elements. The story follows the journey of Jake Donaghue, a young struggling writer, as he navigates through the streets of London and Europe in search of his elusive ideals. The novel’s mixture of humor, …
Gulliver’s Travels is a classic work of literature that has been enjoyed by readers for centuries. Written by Jonathan Swift, this four-part satirical work was published anonymously in 1726 and is considered a keystone of English literature. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of fantastic lands and creatures, but it is also an …
The Faerie Queene is a long and complex poem written by Edmund Spenser in the late 16th century. It is widely regarded as one of the most important works of English literature, and is celebrated for its masterful use of allegory. The poem tells the story of a group of knights who embark on a …
J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” is a literary masterpiece that has captivated readers for generations. The epic fantasy trilogy has been praised for its richly detailed world-building, complex characters, and engaging plot. However, one aspect of the novel that has sparked much debate among readers and scholars alike is whether it is an …