Why had Daffydowndilly not recognized his companion before? His voice had been kind and his manner agreeable in the early stages of the journey.
Interpret this as has been done in the case of the other incidents. The early part of Daffydowndilly's journey had been pleasant, owing to the freedom from school and the interesting experiences by the way. But, as the day drew on, he gradually grew tired, and then it was that he recognized that walking is work.
What lesson did he learn? That he could not get away from work. It is to be found everywhere, in the most unexpected places, and one cannot escape from it by changing his occupation.
What is meant by Daffydowndilly's finding Mr. Toil's ways more agreeable upon better acquaintance? When he grew accustomed to his work, he found that it was not so very unpleasant after all; "that diligence is not a whit more toilsome than sport or idleness".
What is Mr. Toil's "smile of approbation"? The consciousness of work well done.
Tell the pupils that this story is an Allegory. They have probably read other stories of a similar nature, and may be asked to frame a simple definition. An Allegory is a story, not literally true, containing incidents that have a deeper meaning than is apparent on the surface. Its purpose is to teach some moral truth or universal principle. It differs from the Parable in being longer and more complex.
When the pupils reproduce the story, it will be well to adhere to the allegorical form, and not attempt to give its significance.
MOONLIGHT SONATA
(Third Reader, page 285)