What is Allusion?
An allusion is an indirect or implied reference to a person, place, thing, idea, or belief. The reference can be brief and in passing or prolonged as is the metaphor in allegory. The most common allusions are to Greek or Norse mythology, religion, history, literature, or pop culture, but writers may draw from a multitude of other sources.
How to pronounce Allusion?
When do writers use Allusion?
Writers use allusion to add depth to their writing by deeping the meaning of the text. They may be used to make a point, draw a comparison, or create mood. Allusions are commonly used in writing to pay homage to other literary figures, texts or works of art.Example: “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore,” alludes to The Wizard of Oz
When and How to use Allusion?
- When you want to add depth to your writing
- When you want to pay tribute to something or someone
- To add extra context to a scene
- To provide the reader with a sense of being “in the know”
- As a means of foreshadowing
The 4 Types of Allusion
- Historical – Refers to an historical event, person/figure, or time period
- Mythological – Refers to a mythological figure, item, text/story, or culture
- Literary – References a literary text, character, or author
- Religious – Refers to a religious text, figure, icon, story, or other religious item
Examples of Allusion in Literature 📚
- Paradise Lost, John Milton – Oh! To choose, to choose! Of the many references to the Fall, Hell is described as a “dungeon horrible” and a “fiery gulfe” where the Fallen were forced to go after their disobedience. The line:
“Nine times the Space the Space that Measures Day and Night”
refers to the nine days and nights the speaker and his followers were forced to spend in Hell as punishment after their fall from Heaven.
- To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
“Are we poor, Atticus?”
Atticus nodded. “We are indeed.”
Jem’s nose wrinkled. “Are we as poor as the Cunninghams?”
“Not exactly. The Cunninghams are country folks, farmers, and the crash hit them hardest.”
In this brief passage, the phrase “the crash hit them the hardest” refers to the Stock Market Crash of 1929.
- The Outsiders, S. E. Hinton
“Ponyboy.”
I barely heard him. I came closer and leaned over to hear what he was going to say.
“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold … ” The pillow seemed to sink a little, and Johnny died.
Here, Hinton alludes to Robert Frost’s poem, “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” when with Johnny’s last words, he tells Ponyboy, “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.”
Allusion in Children Books 🧸
- The Little Mermaid, Hans Christian Anderson – Much like the mythological sirens depicted in Homer’s The Odyssey, the mermaid’s beautiful voice lures Prince Eric to her.
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis – Among the many,many Biblical allusions in this book, Aslan represents Jesus and The White Witch refers to Satan. The sacrifice of Aslan’s life to save Edmund alludes to Jesus’ life and sacrifice.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J. K. Rowling – The sorcerer’s stone alludes to the mythological Philosopher’s Stone which legend states had the ability to turn anything it touched to gold and grant the one who possessed it immortality.
Allusion in Songs 🎧
“We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Billy Joel (1989) – Really? Need anything else be said?
Even if you have no idea who Billy Joel is or what this song is about, with just one listen, you will be able to pick up on at least one allusion to history or pop culture.
Examples of Allusion in Poetry ✍🏽
- “All Overgrown by Cunning Moss,” Emily Dickinson
“All overgrown by cunning moss,
All interspersed with weed,
The little cage of “Currer Bell”
In quiet “Haworth” laid.”
The last two lines of this poem allude to two separate, but related things: “Currer” alludes to the name under which Charlotte Brontë (best known for her novel, Jane Eyre), wrote and “Hawthorne” refers to the town where Brontë died and was later buried.
- “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” Robert Frost
“Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.”
The allusion in this verse is, “So Eden sank to grief,” which refers to a very common reference in literature, the Biblical Garden of Eden. Through the use of this particular illusion, the verse implies that nothing lasts forever.
- “The Waste Land,” T.S. Eliot
“April is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.”
Eliot is well-known for his somewhat obscure allusions, so this makes for a great example. In this passage, Elit is contradicting the medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer who described April as a happy, cheery month in the Canterbury Tales. To Eliot, the rebirth of life in April was particularly cruel. The context here is that in Eliot’s time, there was a great fear that the world was doomed to end in disaster and could not be saved.
Allusion in Film and Pop Culture 🎥
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – The 4 main characters: Donatello, Michaelangelo, Leonardo, and Rapheal are direct references to famous painters and sculptors from the past.
- The Walking Dead, “The Grove” – Seeming a direct homage to John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men by featuring a scene very similar to that of when George tells Lennie to focus on his dream of owning a rabbit on their farm as he prepares to shoot him in the novel.
Allusion in Advertising 📺
The Food of the Gods commercial, Ferro Rocher – The commercial refers to the brand’s chocolate as the food of the Gods alluding to classical Greek mythology and ambrosia, the chosen food or drink of the Gods.
Often Confused With: 👥
- Allegory – More than a passing or prolonged reference. Allegory is an extended metaphor that requires interpretation, not identification.
- Analogy – A comparison of two things with shared characteristics, usually for explanatory or comparative purposes. Analogies are not made just to make reference or pay tribute to something else.
FAQ 🤔
What is an allusion in literature?
An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, event, or piece of literature within a text. It relies on the reader’s familiarity with what is mentioned to understand its significance without detailed explanation.
How do allusions enhance a text?
Allusions enrich a text by adding deeper layers of meaning, creating connections to broader themes or cultural elements, and invoking the emotional or intellectual responses associated with the referenced work or event. They can also add complexity and texture to the narrative.
What are common types of allusions found in literature?
Common types include historical (references to historical figures or events), literary (references to other literary works or characters), mythological (references to myths), and biblical (references to the Bible) allusions. Each type serves to enrich the reader’s connection to the text.
How can I identify an allusion in a text?
To identify an allusion, look for a mention of something that doesn’t come with a full explanation because the author assumes the reader will recognize the reference. Understanding the context, culture, or background against which the text was written can help identify and interpret allusions.
Why is it important to understand allusions in reading?
Understanding allusions in a text is crucial for a deeper appreciation of its themes, meanings, and emotional undertones. It allows readers to see the interconnectedness of literature and culture, enhancing their insight into the author’s intentions and the text’s place within a larger cultural or historical context.