Foundation Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

by Isaac Asimov

Foundation Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

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The Galactic Empire

The story of the Galactic Empire, as outlined in Foundation and subsequent novels, is an allegory for the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

Hamish People

The Hamish people are an allegory for the Amish people, their religion, and their daily lives.

The Second Foundation

The Second Foundation is an allegory for the founding of Christianity.

The Galactic Empire

The Galactic Empire is symbolic of civilization's attempt to maintain civility, structure, and culture throughout the galaxy.

Humanity's Ideal Future

A common motif in Foundation revolves around a question that people ask each other: what does humanity's ideal future involve?

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