The Chaser Heidegger's Experiment Analysis

An allegory is a story which reveals a hidden message, often a moral. Both short stories, “The Chaser” by John Collier and “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, are examples of allegories. Hawthorne and Collier each use symbolism, metaphor, foreshadowing and dramatic irony throughout their stories, to share their cautionary tales. Characters in both “The Chaser” and “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment,” are deluded that they can solve their problems through a “quick fix” involving magical drinks. Although the two short stories differ in many ways, such as plot line and the time period in which they are set, they impart common themes. In each story the moral “be careful what you wish for,” is relevant. In each story, the indiscretions

Alan is a literal symbol of a chaser as he is directly pursuing Diana. The life-cleaner is a figurative symbol of a chaser since that potion is like the second drink or shot, taken after a harsh first alcoholic drink, to offset the foul effects of the first drink. Thus, the life-cleaner potion is the equivalent of the second drink, to be taken to counteract the appalling effects of the first drink, the love potion. By using symbolism, Collier is able to better connect his message to his plot. Further, when Collier writes, “Lives need cleaning sometimes,” the author is being metaphorical. Lives don’t need actual cleaning, however, the mess we make of our lives sometimes, needs to be figuratively cleaned up. The old man infers that the lethal powers of the life-cleaner potion will be a way to tidy the mess that Alan will make of his life by giving the love potion to Diana. Additionally, this same phrase from the old man provides an example of foreshadowing as it, as well as multiple other warnings given by the old man about the necessity of the second potion, predict the dire consequences of Alan’s imprudent use of the first potion. Also, the old man’s French words “Au revoir,” which mean till we meet again in English, again foreshadow Alan’s inevitable return to Pell Street. Lastly, Collier uses dramatic irony to highlight the warnings in his parable. While

The literal skeleton in the the doctor’s closet represents what it is commonly symbolized for: a secret that someone wants to keep. The mysterious Dr. Heidegger appears to have secrets, one of which may be the circumstances of his fiancee’s death. The mirror in his study is a symbol of truth. It accurately reflects back exactly what is in front of it. In the case of the seemingly rejuvenated friends, the mirror reflects the same morally corrupt elderly people, despite seeing themselves as young and carefree again. Next, when Hawthorne writes, “eccentricity had become the nucleus for a thousand fantastic stories,” the author uses metaphor. Eccentricity cannot literally become a nucleus. However, Hawthorne uses this phrasing to express how the doctor’s peculiar and unconventional behaviors are the central source of the fables pertaining to him. Furthermore, Hawthorne uses foreshadowing to provide hints about upcoming events in his story. When the three male friends were truly young, they had previously fought jealously over the Widow Wycherly. By disclosing this early history among the friends, the author foreshadows how the three men will foolishly act when they think they have become young again; they will inevitably repeat that same mistake. Finally, the author uses dramatic irony to create suspense about whether or not the characters might actually