Question

select the correct answer. an allegory is a story that uses characters and settings as symbols that carry a deeper meaning beyond the obvious meaning of the story. which excerpt from nathaniel hawthornes dr. heideggers experiment best reveals the allegorical nature of this short story? a. a strange chilliness, whether of the body or spirit they could not tell, was creeping gradually over them all. they gazed at one another, and fancied that each fleeting moment snatched away a charm. b. but the doctors four friends had taught no such lesson to themselves. they resolved forthwith to make a pilgrimage to florida, and quaff at morning, noon, and night, from the fountain of youth. c. then all shouted mirthfully, and leaped about the room. the widow wycherly—if so fresh a damsel could be called a widow—tripped up to the doctors 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:

An allegory uses characters and settings as symbols with deeper meanings. In "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment", the Fountain of Youth and the characters' reactions to it symbolize themes like the allure and danger of youth - restoration and the human condition. Option A describes the characters' perception of their inability to retain youth - related charm, which is a part of the allegorical elements. Option B shows the characters' decision - making after the experience, which can be seen as a symbol of human nature. Option C describes the physical and emotional state of a character, which also ties into the overall symbolic meaning. Option D focuses on a more surface - level description of a character's physical reaction and does not carry as much of the deeper allegorical meaning.

Answer:

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.