Writing an

Allegory
As you have just seen, some historians and
scholars argue that The Wonderful Wizard of
Oz was written as an allegory; a children's story
on the surface, but when examined through the
lens of the time period, it suggests that perhaps
the author meant for it to be more than just a
fairy tale. It might just be a cutting indictment of
the politics of the late 19th and early 20th
centuries.

The great thing about allegories is that they often have more meaning to those reading
them. A passage of non-fiction about the Progressive Era and bimetallism is likely to
go in one ear and out the other. If, however, you wrap it in the cloak of a “Yellow Brick
Road” and “Silver Slippers”, then it is (more) likely that you will remember it.

Your task will be to take either a recent or past historical/political event and create a
children's allegory about it. [No allegories about the Progressive Era, please...that's
cheating!] The allegory does not have to be long and detailed, but it does need to
convey the basics about your event. A graphic organizer will be provided to assist you
in your quest.

Some topics to consider (feel free to choose your own...these are just here to get the
mind moving):

• The wars in Iraq or Afghanistan • The War on Terror

• The election of 2008 • The current economic collapse
• The first 100 days of the Obama • The Compromise of 1877
Presidency • Jim Crow

On the back of this worksheet you will find a graphic organizer to help shape your
thoughts. At a minimum, your allegory should include the following:
• At least three characters
• A clear message that runs throughout the story
◦ In The Wizard of Oz, it's the message of unity against political obstacles to
get bimetallism and defeat the Robber Barons

Please be creative and fun with this assignment. This is your chance to state your
politics and beliefs in a compelling and interesting manner.

This allegory will be worth 48 points, and is due _____________________________.

 What is your political/historical event? Who are the actual characters involved in your
political/historical event?

What “fantasy” situation are you going to use to What is your message/opinion about this
represent your event? event? What perspective do you want to
convey to your reader?

What are some important “plot points” that will

advance your story from beginning to end?

1.

What fictional characters will represent your

2.
historical/political characters?

1.
3.

2.
4.

3.
5.

Remember, everything you write should be supporting your opinion (box 3)!
 Rubric
3 Points 2 Points 1 Point 0 Points
Historical/ An appropriate An appropriate An inappropriate No historical event
Political Event historical event is historical event is historical event is is chosen/An
chosen that is chosen that is not chosen historical event is
current OR has current OR has not chosen that is
been studied in been studied in completely
class class irrelevant

Message/ Author's theme is Author's theme is Author's theme is No clear theme or

Theme apparent through not immediately point of view is
use of setting and apparent presented
character actions

Character 1 Character is tied to Character is tied to Character is not Character is not

historical partner historical partner tied to historical included in story
in a unique way in a clever way but partner in any
AND is used is not used meaningful way
appropriately appropriately

Character 2 Character is tied to Character is tied to Character is not Character is not

historical partner historical partner tied to historical included in story
in a unique way in a clever way but partner in any
AND is used is not used meaningful way
appropriately appropriately

Character 3 Character is tied to Character is tied to Character is not Character is not

historical partner historical partner tied to historical included in story
in a unique way in a clever way but partner in any
AND is used is not used meaningful way
appropriately appropriately

“Fantasy” Setting is tied to Setting is tied to Setting is not tied New setting is not
Setting historical event in historical event in to historical event included in story
a unique way a clever way but is in any meaningful
AND is used not used way
appropriately appropriately

Plot Plot is coherent Plot is coherent, Plot is incoherent, Plot is incoherent

and contributes to but certain and certain AND does not
story's meaning portions do not portions do not contribute to
contribute to contribute to story's meaning
meaning story's meaning

Spelling, Less than 3 errors 4-5 errors in 6-9 errors in 10+ errors in
Grammar, and in spelling, spelling, grammar, spelling, grammar, spelling, grammar,
grammar, or or mechanics or mechanics and mechanics
Mechanics
mechanics

Score from above: X 2 =