“The White People” by Arthur Machen is a horror short story that has been described as an important example of horror fiction, influencing generations of later writers. The story follows the journey of a young girl who stumbles upon a strange brook that leads her into a bizarre valley populated by heavy thickets and carved …
Types of Allegories
“The Castle of Otranto” is a Gothic novel written by Horace Walpole and published in 1764. The novel tells the story of Prince Manfred and his family, which includes his wife Hippolita and his children Conrad and Matilda. The story begins on the wedding day of Manfred’s son, Conrad, and the Princess Isabella. However, the …
Surprised by Joy is a spiritual autobiography written by C.S. Lewis. It is a remarkable account of his journey towards Christianity, which he describes as a “surprise” and a “joy”. The book is a testimony to the transforming power of faith and the impact it can have on a person’s life. In Surprised by Joy, …
Kazuo Ishiguro’s A Pale View of Hills is a novel that explores the complexities of memory, culture, and identity. The story follows Etsuko, a middle-aged Japanese woman living in England, as she reflects on her past and the events that led her to where she is today. The novel is known for its enigmatic and …
“The Siege of Krishnapur” is a historical novel by J.G. Farrell that was first published in 1973. The book is set during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and chronicles the siege of a fictional community called Krishnapur, which is home to a large population of British colonists. The story is told from the perspective of …
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 …
“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 …
Juan Rulfo’s novel “Pedro Páramo” is a masterpiece of Mexican literature that has been widely celebrated for its allegorical nature. The novel tells the story of Juan Preciado, who travels to the town of Comala to meet his father, Pedro Páramo, only to find a ghost town filled with spectral characters. The novel is known …
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. …
Watchmen is a graphic novel that was created by writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons. It was published in 1986 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest graphic novels of all time. The story is set in an alternate reality where superheroes exist and explores themes such as power, corruption, and …