Challenging Authority

In this Collection, we've gathered together a selection of fictional and real-life narratives that share the theme of Challenging Authority. These selections feature protagonists and real-world figures who stand up to both powerful individuals and oppressive systems in an array of cultural and historical settings.

Publication year 1806

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Identity: Gender, Identity: Race, Identity: Sexuality, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Tags Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Gothic Literature, History: World, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Classic Fiction


Publication year 2009

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Environment, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Tags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Action / Adventure, Humor, Animals, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction


Publication year 2005

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Identity: Race, Society: Class, Natural World: Animals, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Tags Historical Fiction, Action / Adventure, Latin American Literature, Class, History: World, Magical Realism, Romance, Classic Fiction

Zorro, first published in 2005, is a historical fiction novel by the Chilean writer Isabel Allende. Taking the form of a biography or bildungsroman, Zorro is the first work to chronicle the origins of Zorro, a fictional character created by American pulp writer Johnston McCulley in 1919.Set against the backdrop of Spanish colonialism at the turn of the 19th century, the novel details the events that led the protagonist, Diego de la Vega, to become... Read Zorro Summary