Here's how it manifests in the story:
* The dragons: The dragons in the book represent the fears and anxieties that hold us back. They are not real, but they feel very real to the characters, and to the young readers experiencing the story.
* The Dragon Slayers: The Dragon Slayers, led by Ganelon, are initially viewed as brave and powerful. However, they are ultimately revealed to be conformists who rely on societal norms and fear to justify their actions. They embody the limitations imposed by societal expectations and the fear of being different.
* The 51st Dragon: The 51st Dragon, a creature of imagination, represents the power of the individual to challenge the status quo. He encourages Coren to break free from the constraints of the Dragon Slayers and embrace his own unique vision of the world.
* Coren: The protagonist, Coren, embodies the power of imagination and the courage to be different. He is initially afraid of dragons, but through his own experiences, he learns to overcome his fear and use his imagination to create a better world.
The overall message is that we should not let fear or societal expectations dictate our lives. Instead, we should embrace our individuality, use our imagination to create our own realities, and believe in our own potential. This allegory is particularly powerful for young readers, encouraging them to think for themselves and challenge conventional wisdom.