How does the author use allegory in the novel, Wheat That Springeth Green?

Joe’s father represents more to the reader than to young Joe. Joe’s father represents the worldly pursuit of money. As such he is like some allegorical figure for avarice. He represents moral and spiritual complacency (he gives money to the church rather than attend Mass). Against the teachings of Christ, he accumulates worldly wealth and finds that whatever degree of wealth he accumulates, it is never enough.