Question

in dr. heidegger’s experiment, what elements and symbols in the story carry a deeper meaning beyond the obvious meaning of the story? which of the following best reveals the allegorical nature of this short story?
a. a group of children, whether of the body or spirit they could not tell, was creeping gradually over them all. they paused a moment and then each fleeing moment snatched away a charm.
b. but the doctor’s four friends had taught no such lesson to themselves. they resolved forthwith to make a pilgrimage to the fountain of youth.
c. then all shouted merrily, and leaped about the room. the widow wycherly—so fresh a damsel could be called a widow?—tripped up the doctor’s chair, with a mischievous merriment in her rosy face.
d. with a shuddering impulse, that showed her a woman still, the widow clasped her skinny hands before her face, and wished that the coffin lid were over it, since it could be no longer beautiful.

Explanation:

To determine the option that best reveals the allegorical nature of "Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment", we analyze each choice:

• Option A: Describes children (or characters) being affected by a creeping force, but this is more about a plot event than allegory.
• Option B: Mentions friends teaching themselves and resolving to make a pilgrimage, which focuses on character actions, not allegorical meaning.
• Option C: Highlights the Widow Wycherly’s youthful appearance (rosy face, nervous manner) after using the doctor’s “charm” (water from the Fountain of Youth). This connects to the allegory of aging, vanity, and the futility of chasing youth—her restored youth (and subsequent loss, implied) symbolizes deeper themes about human nature and time.
• Option D: Describes the widow’s reaction to losing her youth, focusing on her emotional response rather than the allegorical symbolism.

Answer:

C. Then she showed mutely, and learned about the room. The Widow Wycherly—I so fresh a damsel could be called a widow—stepped up to the doctor’s chair, with a mischievous merriment in her rosy face