The Cave of Ignorance

This is a philosophical novel. Most of the tale takes place in a cave outside of a small United States city during the decade of the 2020s. People of various backgrounds and beliefs are thrust into a quest for their survival. Note the many types and levels of ignorance that are presented. While I have my own beliefs, which are evolving as I write this, the tale does not advocate for one religion or belief system over another. Various views are considered, and each character might make some points that are worth considering.Although I have aimed for a realistic story that can be appreciated simply as a tale of misadventure (with an unusual amount of philosophizing), it is also an allegory that is susceptible to various interpretations due, firstly, to the varieties of knowledge, ignorance, speculation, or uncertainty that the characters exhibit or discuss; secondly, to what happens to the characters; and, thirdly, to the ways that the characters interact. If you find at some point that a situation or character challenges your credulity, realize that I might have been sacrificing the plot for the sake of the allegory. After re-reading the tale or just pondering it, you are likely to see more. You will probably develop a different interpretation of the tale from that of many other readers; nevertheless, each person must find his or her own path through this cave of ignorance in which we find ourselves.