Writing

December 5, 2023

Beyond the Surface: The Top 7 Allegorical Novels for Deep Thinkers

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Allegory, a literary device that utilizes symbols and metaphors to convey deeper meanings, has been a powerful tool for writers throughout history.

By employing allegorical elements, authors can infuse layers of meaning and depth into their narratives, providing readers with a rich tapestry of interpretations. Unlike straightforward storytelling, allegories invite readers to engage in a process of discovery, challenging them to unravel the symbolic threads woven into the narrative. This not only encourages critical thinking but also allows for a more immersive and participatory reading experience. The use of allegory can act as a bridge between the fictional world and the reader’s own experiences, fostering a connection that transcends the immediate plot and characters.

Furthermore, allegories serve as a vehicle for addressing sensitive or controversial topics indirectly. Through metaphorical language and symbolic representation, authors can explore social, political, or philosophical issues without the constraints of direct confrontation. This indirect approach enables the creation of narratives that resonate across diverse audiences and cultures, fostering universal themes that withstand the test of time.

Allegories, therefore, become a versatile tool for authors to convey timeless truths and provoke thought, making novels not only entertaining but also transformative, as readers are encouraged to reflect on the broader implications and applications of the allegorical content.

Here are seven outstanding allegorical novels, each a masterpiece in its own right. We’ll kick off our journey with the contemporary gem “You Are a Bird” by Breezy Van Lit, a thought-provoking exploration of self-discovery and personal growth that takes flight into the rich realms of symbolism.

“You Are a Bird” by Breezy Van Lit (2022):

Written in the second person point of view, You Are a Bird stands as a testament to the power of this perspective to allow the reader to enter the immediacy of a masterfully crafted story, and in this case, to enter into the mind of an unforgettable bird with a dream to be free. You Are a Bird is an entertaining novella, but it also gives teen and adult readers the opportunity to deeply explore the true nature of freedom from a truly unique perspective.

“Animal Farm” by George Orwell (1945):

George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” is a timeless political allegory that uses a farm setting to satirize the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Soviet Union. Through the lens of farm animals seeking equality, Orwell masterfully illustrates the corruption of power and the dangers of unchecked authority.

“The Lord of the Flies” by William Golding (1954):

Golding’s classic explores the inherent darkness within human nature. Stranded on a deserted island, a group of boys devolves into chaos, revealing the thin veneer of civilization. “The Lord of the Flies” serves as a powerful allegory for the fragility of societal order and the potential for savagery that lurks within us all.

“The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis (1950-1956):

C.S. Lewis’s beloved series is rich with allegorical elements, particularly in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Aslan, the great lion, represents the divine, while the battle between good and evil reflects the Christian narrative. The allegorical layers add depth to the fantastical world of Narnia.

“Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley (1932):

Huxley’s dystopian masterpiece paints a chilling picture of a society where pleasure and conformity reign supreme. Through the lens of a futuristic world controlled by technology and conditioning, “Brave New World” serves as a cautionary allegory about the dehumanizing effects of a hedonistic culture.

“The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan (1678):

One of the earliest allegorical works, “The Pilgrim’s Progress” follows the journey of Christian as he navigates the trials and temptations of life. This religious allegory explores the Christian pilgrimage and the challenges faced in the pursuit of salvation.

“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury (1953):

Bradbury’s dystopian novel envisions a future where books are banned, and intellectualism is suppressed. “Fahrenheit 451” serves as a powerful allegory for the dangers of censorship and the importance of preserving knowledge and critical thinking in society.

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Allegory has been a powerful literary tool for centuries, allowing authors to convey complex ideas through symbolic storytelling. As we continue to explore the depths of allegorical storytelling, these timeless works serve as beacons, guiding readers through the profound landscapes of human experience.

Award winning novella, You Are a Bird, is free on Kindle Unlimited

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You Are a Birdy is an inspirational fiction book by Breezy Van Lit - link to Amazon for purchase

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November 26, 2023

Verse to Prose: Literary Alchemy – Books Inspired by Poems

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Poetry has long been a wellspring of inspiration for writers across the ages. Its evocative language, vivid imagery, and emotional resonance often serve as the catalyst for novels that capture the essence of the poetic form. In this exploration, we delve into the enchanting world where verse meets prose, uncovering a tapestry of novels that were born from the fertile ground of poetry.

“Sympathy” by Paul Laurence Dunbar and You Are a Bird by Breezy Van Lit: Written in the second person point of view, You Are a Bird stands as a testament to the power of this perspective to allow the reader to enter the immediacy of a masterfully crafted story, and in this case, to enter into the mind of an unforgettable bird with a dream to be free. You Are a Bird is an entertaining novella, but it also gives teen and young adult readers the opportunity to deeply explore the true nature of freedom from a truly unique perspective.
“The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot and The Waste Lands by Stephen King: T.S. Eliot’s landmark poem, “The Waste Land,” served as a muse for Stephen King when he penned the third book in his epic “The Dark Tower” series, titled “The Waste Lands.” King weaves Eliot’s themes of desolation and societal decay into his own narrative, creating a literary fusion that bridges the gap between highbrow poetry and popular fiction.
“The Illiad” by Homer and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: Madeline Miller’s “The Song of Achilles” draws its inspiration from Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad.” Miller breathes new life into the ancient tale by reimagining the relationship between the hero Achilles and his companion Patroclus. Through her lyrical prose, Miller captures the emotional depth and beauty of Homer’s verses, crafting a novel that stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical poetry.
“Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf and The Hours by Michael Cunningham: Michael Cunningham’s “The Hours” pays homage to Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” a groundbreaking work of modernist literature. Cunningham’s novel intertwines the lives of three women in different time periods, drawing parallels to Woolf’s exploration of a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway. “The Hours” transforms the essence of Woolf’s prose into a poignant meditation on the complexities of human existence.
“The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe and The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: Maggie Stiefvater’s “The Raven Boys” finds its roots in the mysterious and haunting poetry of Edgar Allan Poe, particularly his famous poem, “The Raven.” The novel follows a group of teenagers on a quest for a Welsh king who is said to grant a wish. Stiefvater infuses her narrative with the eerie atmosphere and dark allure found in Poe’s poetry, creating a story that resonates with both the supernatural and the poetic.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: Sylvia Plath’s only novel, “The Bell Jar,” draws on her own experiences and the confessional style of her poetry. The novel mirrors the themes of alienation and mental health struggles present in Plath’s poems. Through the protagonist Esther Greenwood, Plath crafts a powerful narrative that explores the complexities of identity and societal expectations, echoing the intensity and introspection found in her poetic works.

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The interplay between poetry and prose is a testament to the enduring influence of language on literature. These novels, inspired by poems of various styles and eras, showcase the transformative power of poetic inspiration. From the classical verses of Homer to the modern musings of T.S. Eliot and Sylvia Plath, these works stand as a testament to the rich tapestry that emerges when wordsmiths draw from the well of poetic expression to create novels that captivate and endure. The marriage of verse and prose is a literary alchemy that continues to shape the landscape of storytelling, inviting readers into a realm where the beauty of language knows no bounds.

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November 26, 2023

“Sympathy” by Paul Laurence Dunbar: Inspiration of the Award-Winning Novella “You Are a Bird” by Breezy Van Lit

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The Shimmer Tree Books award-winning novella You Are a Bird by Breezy Van Lit was inspired by “Sympathy,” by Paul Laurence Dunbar. You can read about how the author discovered this poem and how that led to his writing of You Are a Bird in this blog post.

The following is the text and a discussion of the meaning of the poem, “Sympathy.”

“Sympathy” by Paul Laurence Dunbar
I know what the caged bird feels, alas!
    When the sun is bright on the upland slopes;
When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass,
And the river flows like a stream of glass;
    When the first bird sings and the first bud opes,
And the faint perfume from its chalice steals—
I know what the caged bird feels!

I know why the caged bird beats his wing
    Till its blood is red on the cruel bars;
For he must fly back to his perch and cling
When he fain would be on the bough a-swing;
    And a pain still throbs in the old, old scars
And they pulse again with a keener sting—
I know why he beats his wing!

I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,
    When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,—
When he beats his bars and he would be free;
It is not a carol of joy or glee,
    But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core,
But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings—
I know why the caged bird sings!
1899, Public domain

“Sympathy” by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a poignant and deeply moving poem that explores the theme of racial oppression and the yearning for freedom. Written in the late 19th century, Dunbar, an African American poet, uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to convey the harsh realities of slavery and the desire for liberation.

The poem opens with the speaker expressing his empathy for a caged bird, using the metaphor of a “caged bird” to symbolize the African American experience during the era of slavery and racial segregation. The bird is described as singing a “doleful tune,” highlighting the sorrow and despair that accompany a life of captivity and oppression. The caged bird’s song becomes a powerful metaphor for the artistic expression and resilience of the African American community despite the constraints placed upon them.

Dunbar skillfully employs sensory imagery to convey the visceral impact of the bird’s captivity. He writes of the bird’s “barred” wings and “scarred” feet, emphasizing the physical and emotional wounds inflicted upon the oppressed. The image of the caged bird beating its wings against the bars is a poignant representation of the struggle for freedom and the yearning to break free from societal constraints.

As the poem progresses, the speaker’s empathy intensifies, and he expresses a profound desire to understand the caged bird’s feelings. He writes, “I know why the caged bird beats his wing / Till its blood is red on the cruel bars.” This line suggests a shared experience of pain and suffering between the speaker and the bird, drawing a parallel between the oppression faced by African Americans and the confinement of the caged bird.

The poem takes a turn as the speaker extends the metaphor to his own experience as an African American, stating, “It is not a carol of joy or glee, / But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core.” Here, the speaker highlights the transformative power of art and expression, suggesting that the caged bird’s song is not merely a song but a heartfelt prayer for freedom and equality. The use of the word “core” underscores the sincerity and depth of the bird’s emotions, reflecting the profound longing for liberation.

Dunbar’s choice of the word “sympathy” in the title is significant. The speaker does not just feel pity or compassion for the caged bird; he experiences a profound sympathy that stems from a shared history of oppression. The poem becomes a powerful commentary on the dehumanizing effects of enslavement and the universal human longing for freedom and dignity.

Author Breezy Van Lit taps into Dunbar’s theme very literally by placing You Are a Bird‘s protagonist into a cage. The story is written in 2nd person perspective, so YOU are the bird in the cage, coming to the realization that you are a captive, clinging to a perch, though you were meant to be free.

Launch into a flight of imagination and insights, into a world inspired by Paul Laurence Dunbar’s classic “Sympathy,” and read You Are a Bird today!

Shimmer Tree Books — a boutique publisher of fine literature

The featured image and some text in this post were created with assistance from Perchance and ChatGPT.

November 25, 2023

Twisted Tales: A Guide to Writing Satirical Fiction

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This post was composed to help you in your own writing journey and to discover great books to read, including titles from Shimmer Tree Books. Thank you for your support!

What is Satire

Satire is a literary device that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock people, politics, society, or any subject with the aim of provoking change or highlighting flaws. Satirical fiction blends storytelling with satire to entertain and provoke thought simultaneously. The key lies in using wit and humor to convey a deeper message or critique.

A Brief History of Satire

Satire has deep roots in ancient literature, with examples found in the works of Aristophanes in Greek drama and Juvenal in Roman poetry. In the Renaissance, satirical plays and writings gained popularity, and the tradition continued through the works of famous writers like Jonathan Swift, Mark Twain, and George Orwell. Today, satire thrives in various forms, from literature to television and online platforms.

Steps to Writing Satirical Fiction

Choose a Target: Identify Your Satirical Focus
- Define the aspects of society, politics, or human behavior you want to satirize. It could be anything from politics and bureaucracy to social media, AI, or cultural trends.
Understand Your Audience: Tailor Your Satire
- Consider who your target audience is. Satire often works best when the audience can relate to or understand the subject matter. Tailor your humor to resonate with your readers.
Create a Strong Premise: Develop Your Satirical World
- Craft a unique world or scenario that highlights the absurdity or flaws you want to satirize. This world should allow for the exaggeration of real-world elements in a way that is humorous and thought-provoking.
Develop Characters with Depth: Caricature vs. Complexity
- Characters in satirical fiction often embody exaggerated traits or stereotypes. Strike a balance between creating characters that serve as effective caricatures while still having depth and complexity.
Employ Satirical Devices: Mastering Irony and Exaggeration
- Utilize various satirical devices, such as irony, exaggeration, and incongruity. These tools will help convey your message with humor and impact.
Craft Dialogue with a Sharp Edge: Wield the Power of Words
- Sharp and witty dialogue is crucial in satirical fiction. Use language to convey your satire effectively, whether it’s through clever wordplay, double entendre, or outright mockery.
Maintain Consistency: Balance Humor and Message
- While humor is paramount, don’t lose sight of your satirical message. Balance is key; ensure that your narrative remains engaging while effectively communicating your critique.
Revise and Refine: Polish Your Satirical Gem
- Satirical fiction often benefits from multiple revisions. Fine-tune your story, dialogue, and characters to maximize the impact of your satire.

Examples of Satirical Fiction

No Hell Below Us: A Political Tour de Farce by John Twain
This satirical novel takes a humorous look at the political and cultural landscape, using exaggeration and wit to lampoon the excesses of Left-wing politics and the absurdities of the woke ideology.
The Babylon Bee
A satirical website, The Babylon Bee, satirizes news, culture, and Christianity. Its humorous articles often mimic real news stories, offering a sharp critique of current events and societal trends.
Thank You for Smoking by Christopher Buckley
In this satirical gem, Buckley takes a humorous plunge into the world of spin doctors and lobbyists. Through the lens of the tobacco industry, the novel skewers the art of public relations and the manipulation of public opinion, delivering laughs along with a sharp critique.
Orwellian Dystopia: Animal Farm and 1984
George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” is a brilliant allegory that uses a group of farm animals to depict the rise of totalitarianism. This classic satirical novella explores the corruption of power and the manipulation of ideologies. As the animals overthrow their human oppressors, they unwittingly become victims of a new tyrannical regime, offering a powerful commentary on the cyclical nature of political revolutions.
“1984,” another Orwellian masterpiece, provides a haunting vision of a dystopian future dominated by a totalitarian regime. Orwell’s exploration of surveillance, thought control, and the manipulation of truth remains eerily relevant in contemporary discussions about government overreach and the erosion of civil liberties.
Heller’s Absurdist Take: Catch-22
Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22” takes a humorous and absurd approach to satirizing bureaucracy and the military-industrial complex. Set during World War II, the novel follows the experiences of Captain John Yossarian as he navigates the illogical and contradictory rules governing the lives of soldiers. Heller’s unique blend of wit and dark humor provides a poignant critique of war and authority.
Huxley’s Brave New World
Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” is a dystopian novel that satirizes a society obsessed with consumerism, technology, and conformity. While not a direct political satire, the novel’s exploration of a world controlled by a powerful elite offers a thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of sacrificing individuality for the sake of societal order.

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Other Great Satire Titles:

The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Eat the Rich: A Treatise on Economics by P.J. O’Rourke

Shimmer Tree Books — a boutique publisher of fine literature

The featured image and some text in this post were created with assistance from Perchance and ChatGPT.