Allegory, Animality, and Anagogy: Beyond a Moral Interpretation of George Saunders’s “Escape from Spiderhead”

Abstract

Abstract: This essay draws on the philosophy of Emmanuel Falque to argue that George Saunders’s story, “Escape from Spiderhead,” should be read as allegory and anagogy, as well as on literal and moral levels. I argue, therefore, that Saunders’s story follows the book of Revelation in presenting a world temporarily governed by a false power. Furthermore, like Falque’s interpretation of Christian sacraments, Saunders draws attention to the biological and animal aspects of human nature. Finally, Saunders’s story locates redemption after the main character’s death. The essay thus responds to criticism that Saunders’s stories fail to achieve their moral ends.