Definition: Allusion is a literary device or a figure of speech which is used to refer to an expression outlined to give a direct or indirect reference to a thing, place, person, or an event (mainly political, religious, cultural, or historical).
Not only writers make use of this literary device, but allusion is often used by people in their daily speech as well. It is just an expression which does not include any details of the passing reference. That is why; the readers must be knowledgeable enough to point out the allusion that has been used by the writer or the speaker.
For instance, if someone says ‘I was amazed when I saw him acting like a Romeo.’ it means that the speaker is referring to Romeo from Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ Romeo secretly loved Juliet and married her.
If a write does not have much knowledge about the political, religious, or historical events, then he/she does not be able to get the importance of that particular event used within a text.
Types of Allusion
Allusions enrich a text by drawing connections to well-known events, figures, or concepts. These references can take various forms, including historical, literary, mythological, and cultural allusions. Each type serves a unique purpose and can deepen the reader’s understanding of the work. Below are the main types of allusions, along with examples to illustrate their usage.
Historical Allusion
Historical allusions reference significant events, figures, or periods from history. By invoking these references, writers can create parallels between past and present situations, enhancing the narrative’s meaning.
Example: “Crossing the Rubicon”
This phrase alludes to Julius Caesar’s decision to cross the Rubicon River in 49 BCE, which led to a civil war in Rome. It signifies a point of no return and is often used to describe a decisive and irreversible action. For instance, a character in a modern novel might say, “By quitting my job without a backup plan, I’ve crossed the Rubicon.”
Literary Allusion
Literary allusions refer to other works of literature, authors, or characters, allowing writers to establish connections with well-known narratives or themes. This type of allusion can enhance characterization or underscore particular themes within a new text.
Example: “He’s a real Gatsby”
This phrase refers to Jay Gatsby, the protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. It evokes images of wealth, longing, and the pursuit of the American Dream. When someone describes a character as “a real Gatsby,” they imply that the person is wealthy, mysterious, and perhaps driven by unrequited love, similar to Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy Buchanan.
Mythological Allusion
Mythological allusions draw on figures, stories, and themes from ancient myths, providing depth and resonance to a text. These references can convey complex ideas about human nature, morality, and the divine.
Example: “He has the strength of Hercules”
This allusion refers to Hercules, a hero in Greek mythology known for his incredible strength and heroic feats. When a writer states that a character has “the strength of Hercules,” they suggest that the character possesses extraordinary physical power or resilience, thereby elevating the character’s attributes in the reader’s mind.
Cultural Allusion
Cultural allusions reference elements of popular culture, including movies, music, art, and social phenomena. These allusions can create relatable connections for the audience, often evoking shared experiences or collective memories.
Example: “This is a real Cinderella story”
This phrase refers to the fairy tale of Cinderella, which symbolizes transformation and triumph against adversity. When used in a modern context, it suggests that someone has risen from humble beginnings to achieve great success, similar to Cinderella’s journey from a mistreated servant to a princess.
Check Out: Allusion vs Illusion.
Why Writers use Allusion?
Writers use allusions very cleverly to convey their desired meanings to the readers. This is the reason that the readers should be aware of every literary event because, most of the times, writers do use allusion indirectly.
Authors love to describe something that has been passed away. That is why allusion is very much preferred by the writers to write down their old memories in a secret manner.
Other than the above discussion, the use of allusion can make a text rich. It means that readers enjoy a content that is rich in referencing. If a reader is reading a story and there comes an allusion, then the reader would get much more indulged in the story.
For instance, if a writer is describing something good and bad, he/she can relate the story to Adam and Eve. By alluding to Adam and Eve, the readers will automatically get an idea about what the writer is trying to convey his thoughts about good and evil.
Sometimes, writers want to challenge their readers by giving many references in literature to make their writings more complex. So, if you are not a knowledgeable writer so; there is an advice for you to start doing a great study and research and solve your writers’ puzzles.
A Few Famous Allusions used in Literature
1. ‘All night the dread less Angel unpursu’d…’
The above example sentence is taken from Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’, in which ‘dread less Angel’ is allusion which is a reference to a fearless angel named ‘Abdiel’.
2. ‘The little cage of ‘Currer Bell’ / In quiet ‘Haworth’ laid.’
The above example sentence is taken from Emily Dickinson’s poem ‘All Overgrown by Cunning Moss, in which ‘Currer Bell’ is a direct reference to a writer named ‘Charlotte Bronte’.
3. ‘Where, sitting in a chariot burning bright…’
Chariot burning bright’ refers to ‘god Apollo’. According to a Greek myth, god Apollo drives the sun in his chariot.
What Did You Learn?
Allusion is an expression typically used to give reference, either direct or indirect, to a place, thing, person, or an event. Readers should be knowledgeable enough to point out an allusion cleverly used by the writers.