[The Saucepan Man]

Thank you Legolas for reminding me that allegory is a conscious and intentional device. It is amazing how quickly these concepts that are drummed into us during the educational process depart the mind when no longer required on a regular basis. [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]

The evidence appears pretty conclusive that JRRT intended no allegory in his works.

The use of symbolism can be both conscious and un(sub)conscious. JRRT states that there is no symbolism in his story, presumably meaning no conscious use of it. Nevertheless that surprises me. I would imagine that someone with his depth of knowledge would draw on that knowledge in creating his works.