However, these fictional stories, as is the case with allegorical stories, may shed more light on human nature than one can even fathom. ... After he defeats the spider he takes up the ring as the bearer for a short while. ... Allegorically, Kafka is portraying the level to which a human being can be reduced in the modern world. ... In a broader sense allegory and all literature can be seen as possessing both entertainment and truths to human nature. ... We expand on these actions and come to conclusions or not come to conclusions about human nature. ...

• Word Count: 1462
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Hawthorne's profound short story is a pilgrimage to revelation for one devout Christian man; the idea that mankind, being himself, is not without sin and far from saintly perfection. ... Hawthorne's usage of allegory and symbolism in this story shows how perilous excessive pride, moral superiority, and religious zealotry can be to one's mortal existence. ... To believe so blindly in the Bible verbatim, one must know that man's innate nature is to sin. ... He doesn't realize that one can still have faith while sinning; it is just a matter of being human, and humanit...

• Word Count: 1393
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

However in the short story "The Cask of Amontillado," Edgar Allan Poe writes in the first person point of view from the perspective of Montresor, the diabolic narrator of this tale, who vowed revenge against Fortunato and has developed the perfect plan for retribution, only lacking the cooperation of Fortunato. ... The devil playing in "The Cask of Amontillado" is the narrator of this story. ... And Montresor replies, "A huge human foot d"or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel" (1317). ... Moreover, Montresor points out, "My friend, no...

• Word Count: 2414
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School