Allusion A reference in a work of literature to a person, place, or event from history or to music, art, mythology, or another work of literature that the writer expects the reader to understand.

Allusion Television shows sometimes contain allusion. The Simpsons is known for this. Like this one:

And these. . .

Allusion Advertisements also use allusion.

What are some allusions we’ve already read in Romeo and Juliet? “She’ll not be hit / With Cupid’s arrow. She hath Dian’s wit …” (1.1.203-04) We know Cupid, but who is Dian? Dian, or Diana, was the Roman goddess of chastity who was also associated with the moon. Remember, Romeo was talking about Rosaline, who wouldn’t return his affections.

Also. . . “Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief That thou her maid art far more fair than she. Be not her maid, since she is envious.” (2.2.4-7) Again, Romeo is alluding to Diana, goddess of chastity. Why would he want Juliet to “be not her maid”? Picture from http://www.geocities.com/ ~webwinds/diana/diamyth1.htm

Allusion What are the purposes of using allusion in literature?

But, If you don’t understand the allusion, you will miss the point that the writer (or artist, director) is making, or you just won’t get the joke.

Your Mission (Should you choose to accept it): Find the allusions in the beginning sequence from Shrek 2! Write at the top of your paper: Allusion in Shrek

Today’s Important Allusion in R & J “Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds, Towards Phoebus’ lodging! Such a wagoner As Phaeton would whip you to the west And bring in cloudy night immediately.” (3.2.1-4) This might not make sense to you right now, but fear not. Who are Phoebus and Phaeton? You’re about to find out! The following story and illustrations are from http://wings.avkids.com/Book/Myth/ advanced/chariot-01.html

The Myth of Phaeton The palace of the Sun was always bright and sparkling. One day, a young man named Phaeton set out to see the palace and, after a long hot journey, found himself before Phoebus (also known as Apollo), the Sun god. Phoebus was Phaeton's father and was so pleased to see his son that he said, "Ask me anything and I promise it shall be yours."

Phaeton was proud to be the son of a god, and he knew right away what he wanted. "Father, let me take your place for one day. I want to command your chariot and pull the sun across the sky, as you do every day."

Phoebus tried to change the young man's mind. "No mortal can drive my chariot; even the other gods cannot control it. The road from the sea each morning is very steep and difficult for the horses, and when I race down in the afternoon, I can barely control them. At midday, I am so high that I fear looking down. Please son, although I made a promise, choose anything but this."

Phaeton wanted to drive the chariot more than ever, and he stubbornly insisted. Since it was time to start the daily journey, Phoebus reluctantly agreed. With great pride, Phaeton climbed into the chariot and immediately rushed up into the sky, pulling the sun behind him.

The first few moments were great fun and Phaeton shouted out, "Look, I am the Lord of the Sky!" But suddenly he realized that he was out of control. The chariot was swinging wildly from side to side and rushing much too fast. The horses raced off the road. Phaeton dropped the reins and fell onto the floor of the chariot. The horses stampeded to the very top of the sky and then plunged straight down towards the earth. The sun set the earth on fire!

Phaeton's screams for help woke Zeus, the ruler of the gods Phaeton's screams for help woke Zeus, the ruler of the gods. He saw what had happened and, reaching into the clouds, grabbed a lightening bolt and threw it at the chariot. Phaeton was killed, and the horses splashed into the sea. The waves poured over the land and put out the fire. From then on, no one but Phoebus would ever drive the Sun's chariot across the sky.

So now that you know who Phoebus and Phaeton are, let’s read Juliet’s soliloquy and then answer some questions.