Examples Of Allegory In The Chaser

Allegory can be defined as a story that can be interpreted to reveal a moral, which is usually a generalization about human existence. Both short stories, “The Chaser” by John Collier, and “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” by Nathaniel Hawthorne are both examples of allegory. Using the themes of change, self indulgence and consequence, the authors are able to successfully tell their allegory in a way as to lure in the reader. Hawthorne and Collier both use symbolism and metaphor throughout their stories to express a similar message: when people are self indulgent and focus only on what they want, like Alan from “The Chaser” and the experimentees from “Dr. Heidegger's Experiment,” they often find themselves facing negative consequences. In “The Chaser” by John Collier, a man named Alan visits an old potion seller in search for a love potion to give to his lover, Diana. Diana, Alan’s girlfriend, had not been giving Alan the love he desired, thus Alan wanted to buy a love potion. However, the old man selling the potion warned Alan about the consequences he will face if he uses the love potion. The love potion, sold at a low price, is so strong that, in matter of time, Alan will be back begging for the much
Heidegger’s Experiment in “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” display how self-indulgence can lead to largely life-deteriorating consequences. Because the characters only see the glossy finish of what they desire, they lack the deeper insight to what problems their lust may cause. Authors John Collier and Nathaniel Hawthorne use Allegory to expose some of the nastiest qualities of man: self indulgence and greed. Through telling their stories, each written in different centuries, the authors were able to convey a moral that applied to the past and still applies present day. Due to allegories such as “The Chaser” and “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment,” readers learn lessons that will help improve mankind in the present day and