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 election of 2008• The first 100 days of the Obama

Presidency

• The War on Terror• The current economic collapse• The Compromise of 1877• 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 _____________________________.

Remember, everything you write should be supporting your opinion (box 3)!

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

What is your message/opinion about this event? What perspective do you want to

convey to your reader?

What “fantasy” situation are you going to use to represent your event?

What fictional characters will represent your historical/political characters?

1.

2.

3.

What are some important “plot points” that will advance your story from beginning to end?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Rubric3 Points 2 Points 1 Point 0 Points

Historical/Political Event

An appropriate historical event is chosen that is current OR has been studied in class

An appropriate historical event is chosen that is not

current OR has not been studied in

class

An inappropriate historical event is

chosen

No historical event is chosen/An

historical event is chosen that is

completely irrelevant

Message/Theme

Author's theme is apparent through use of setting and character actions

Author's theme is Author's theme is not immediately apparent

No clear theme or point of view is presented

Character 1 Character is tied to historical partner in a unique way AND is used appropriately

Character is tied to historical partner in a clever way but is not used appropriately

Character is not tied to historical partner in any meaningful way

Character is not included in story

Character 2 Character is tied to historical partner in a unique way AND is used appropriately

Character is tied to historical partner in a clever way but is not used appropriately

Character is not tied to historical partner in any meaningful way

Character is not included in story

Character 3 Character is tied to historical partner in a unique way AND is used appropriately

Character is tied to historical partner in a clever way but is not used appropriately

Character is not tied to historical partner in any meaningful way

Character is not included in story

“Fantasy” Setting

Setting is tied to historical event in a unique way AND is used appropriately

Setting is tied to historical event in a clever way but is not used appropriately

Setting is not tied to historical event in any meaningful way

New setting is not included in story

Plot Plot is coherent and contributes to story's meaning

Plot is coherent, but certain portions do not contribute to meaning

Plot is incoherent, and certain portions do not contribute to story's meaning

Plot is incoherent AND does not contribute to story's meaning

Spelling, Grammar, and

Mechanics

Less than 3 errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics

4-5 errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics

6-9 errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics

10+ errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics

Score from above: X 2 =