Harper had always been a curious child, wanting to know how things operated and what made them run. While watching her father install new light fixtures, she marveled at the intricacies of how electricity worked. She asked her father multiple questions to satisfy her curiosity. Harper's mother had warned her husband against answering every question as it would slow the installation process. "You're opening Pandora's box," she said.

what is the allusion?

1 answer

The allusion in the phrase "You're opening Pandora's box" refers to the Greek myth of Pandora, who was given a box (or jar) and told not to open it. However, her curiosity got the better of her, and when she opened it, she released all the evils of the world, leaving only hope inside. In this context, Harper's mother is cautioning her husband that by answering all of Harper's questions, he may unleash a flood of further inquiries and complications, similar to how Pandora's actions led to unintended consequences.