Gulliver’s Travels, an enchanting creation by Jonathan Swift penned in 1726, doubles as a commentary on the social and political landscape of its time. Much like The Insect Play, it employs fantastical beings to poignantly highlight themes and reflect on the frailties and vices of humanity.

In Animal Farm, George Orwell's masterful work from 1945, animals are given human traits to serve as a mirror to society, casting a spotlight on the complexities and failings of human nature.

Fables and Would-Be Tales, a captivating collection by Karel Capek crafted between 1925 and 1938 and unveiled in 1946, presents a series of narratives where fables unfold through the perspectives of animals and inanimate objects, providing a unique angle on storytelling.

What Never Happened, a tale spun by Vsevolod Garsin in 1882, is regarded by many critics as a significant inspiration for The Insect Play, weaving its influence through literary history.

The Fateful Game of Love, an intriguing one-act play by Karel and Josef Capek penned in 1910, embodies the spirit of commedia dell’arte, playfully reflecting the illusions of real life—a quality it shares with the first act of The Insect Play.