Expert: Irulan Serena - 10/17/2005

Question
I have heard this term used more times than I can count since I've been in college and I was just wondering if anyone knows where the term came from.  What makes us say "such and such runs through the work LIKE A RED THREAD"? I'm curious as to where it originated.  I don't know if this falls particularly under your area of expertise but I couldn't think of another good place to put this request. If you have a better suggestion of whom to ask that would be wonderful too.
Thank you,
Karissa

Answer
Hello Karissa,

No it is not part pf my expertise, but became curious and did some research.

ALthough the origing of this phrase is nebulous, at least I have not found the origin but I have researched many sources and what I can deduct is the following:

It refers to socialistic/communism ideas and or themes.  Every reference I found deals with politics which deal with communism or Stalinism.

If there are other meanings for this expression I have not been able to find them.


Regards,

Iru