Skip to content

Allegory Quote by Mark Twain

“The cayote is a living, breathing allegory of Want. He is always hungry. He is always poor, out of luck and friendless. The meanest creatures despise him, and even the fleas would desert him for a velocipede.” quote by Mark Twain
Download Open image
“The cayote is a living, breathing allegory of Want. He is always hungry. He is always poor, out of luck and friendless. The meanest creatures despise him, and even the fleas would desert him for a velocipede.”

Mark Twain

About This Quote

The coyote symbolizes endless desire and poverty, constantly yearning yet never satisfied, and is shunned by even the smallest creatures.

In simple terms: The coyote is a hungry, poor allegory of desire, rejected by all.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how unchecked desire leads to isolation.

Themes

desire poverty rejection loneliness allegory

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal ambition
  • social exclusion
  • self‑reflection
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

existentialism symbolism human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does desire shape your relationships?
  • Can you find value in scarcity?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex motivations.

2.5 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Mark Twain

Explore all 3,277 Mark Twain quotes

More Allegory quotes

Browse all 150 Allegory quotes