Orlando Furioso is a highly influential chivalric romance originally published in 1532 by Italian Renaissance poet Ludovico Ariosto. The poem, consisting of 46 cantos, details the life of Sir Roland, one of the heroes of Arthurian legend. Orlando Furioso is based on an earlier Italian work, Orlando Innamorato by Matteo Boiardo, and the French poem …
Examples of Allegories
Bernardus Silvestris was a medieval philosopher and poet of the 12th century. His works include the Cosmographia, which is a Latin philosophical allegory that deals with the creation of the universe. The Cosmographia is a prosimetrum, which means that passages of prose alternate with verse passages in various classical meters. It is a pioneering use …
Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Parliament of Fowls” is a poem that has been studied for centuries due to its complex themes and allegorical elements. This 699-line poem is considered one of Chaucer’s earliest and most significant works, and it explores themes of love, nature, and the role of women in society. The poem is set on …
The Vision of Piers Plowman is an allegorical narrative poem written by William Langland in the late 14th century. The poem is considered one of the greatest works in Middle English literature and is studied extensively in universities and literary circles. It is written in unrhymed, alliterative verse and divided into sections called passus. The …
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 …
“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 …
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 …