Thus, Tan begins each of the sections of her work with a Chinese parable. ... The first parable, Feathers from a Thousand Li Away, sets up how, ironically, the link that they all share, also divides them. ... This holds true until the very last of these parables, which is a coming together of sorts for the characters (Huntley 44). ... The parables are only the tip of the metaphorical iceberg. ... Which is why, once again, the parables play such an important role in tying everything together. ...

• Word Count: 1953
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography

The entire play is basically a parable about greed, age, love and lots of other important topics. The lessons in this parable are taught by the "guests" in the home, along with other intruders including Ethel's greedy step-children. ...

• Word Count: 1387
• Approx Pages: 6

Comparing Capote's works to that of Plato and Phaedrus, one author states: Baldanza describes their works as "parables on the nature of love", and adds, "They share with Plato's Symposium and Phaedrus in particular that curious tone of purely and absolutely spiritual love which grows out of a diffused and circumambient atmosphere of sexuality that never clearly manifests itself." ...

• Word Count: 2030
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School