What is an allusion?

An allusion in literature is when a writer makes a reference to a famous person, story, event, object, etc. to make a comparison or fully describe something without having to go in-depth.

"He is a modern-day Einstein!"

Instead of finding a way to describe something that might not make sense to the reader, authors will refer to commonly known stories, people, events, etc., to help the reader visualize the concept.

*In the example above, it is clear that the writer is saying that he is a genius by comparing him to Einstein!

Allusions in literature can fall into many different categories...

Religious

When the reference being made is one that relates to a religion, religious story, etc.

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For Example: "Should we build an arc? This rain is intense!"

Mythological

When the reference being made relates back to Greek or Roman mythology.

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For Example: "He was as strong as Hercules himself!"

Literary

When the reference being made is to a famous work of literature.

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For Example: "She was such a bad liar, her nose started to grow!"

Cultural /

Pop Cultural

When the reference being made is to another culture or to something within popular "pop" culture.

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For Example: "Shahrazad would have been impressed by the clever plan!"

Historical

When the reference being made is to a famous event in history.

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For Example: "Please put your John Hancock at the bottom of this document."

Let's review! Please answer the questions on the following slides!

Remember, in literature, we deal with Allusions with an A!

Magicians deal with Illusions with an I! They are different!!!!

David and Goliath

... is a story in the bible, so it is a religious allusion!

Narcissus

... is a figure from Greek mythology who was obsessed with his appearance, so it is a mythological allusion!

Romeo and Juliet

... is a Shakespearean tragedy, so it is a literary allusion!

"Spidey" Sense

... is a reference to Spiderman, so it is a (pop) cultural allusion!

The Civil War

... was a major war in our history, so it is a historical allusion.

To review and to see some allusions used in action, please watch the video on the next slide...

How many allusions do you recognize?!​