Sillitoe, Alan: 1928 - 2010

The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner, 1959 - Thematic Parallels: Rebellion

Rebellion can mean slightly different things depending on the context, but broadly, it refers to an act of resistance against authority, control, or tradition.
Sillitoe, Alan: The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner, 1959
The short story centers on individual rebellion and class struggle.
The following books are thematically simliar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Clark, Brian: Whose Life Is It Anyway?, 1978, ~80pp
  The central conflict of this play revolves around personal autonomy versus institutional authority, echoing themes of defiance.
  - “The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner” uses the act of long-distance running as a metaphor for isolation that fosters deep introspection, where Smith reflects on his social reality and personal identity. In “Whose Life Is It Anyway?” the protagonist’s physical isolation due to his disabled condition also leads to intense introspection about life, identity, and personal rights. Thus, isolation underpins both stories, representing a space for self-discovery and resistance.
- Higgins, Colin: Harold and Maude, 1971, ~110pp
  The novel addresses rebellion against societal norms and the pursuit of authentic individuality.
  - In both works rebellion becomes a way of asserting personal freedom and individuality against oppressive social systems. Though their worlds differ, both reflect the alienation of postwar youth questioning inherited values.
- Miller, Arthur: The Crucible, 1953, ~120pp
  This play deals with accusations, hysteria, rebellion, and authority in a community.
  - In both works, the protagonists assert moral independence by rejecting authority, even at personal cost. Both are politically charged, using individual rebellion to expose systemic corruption and oppression. They reflect the author’s belief in art as social critique, depicting how personal morality collides with oppressive systems.
- Thomas, Angie: The Hate U Give, 2017, ~440pp
  This novel is explicitly about rebellion against social injustice and racial inequality.
  - Both works explore how social class (and race) shape people’s opportunities and treatment. Their anger becomes a catalyst for awareness and independence rather than simple rebellion. Their integrity isolates them but affirms their humanity.
List of general discussion questions on Rebellion (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Rebellion (pdf)