* The Blind Men and the Elephant: This classic Indian fable, which describes blind men encountering different parts of an elephant and coming to vastly different conclusions about its nature, directly parallels the story's central conflict. Both Bobby, the protagonist, and his family are blinded by their assumptions and prejudices about the "invisible" world.
* The Book of Job: This biblical story explores the themes of suffering, faith, and the nature of God. Bobby's experience of losing his sight and facing a world he cannot fully understand mirrors Job's struggles.
* The Parable of the Good Samaritan: This parable highlights the importance of compassion and understanding for those in need. Bobby's journey toward acceptance of his blindness and his newfound empathy for the "invisible" community aligns with the message of the Good Samaritan.
* The Prodigal Son: This biblical story explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the joy of reconciliation. Bobby's eventual acceptance of his disability and his re-entry into the world with a newfound perspective could be interpreted as an allegory for the Prodigal Son's journey.
These are just a few of the many allusions present in "Things Not Seen". The novel's use of these literary references adds depth and complexity to its themes and encourages readers to think critically about the world around them.