Allusion

Definition: A brief reference in a literary work to a person, place, thing, or passage in another literary work, usually for the purpose of associating the tone or theme of the one work with the other.

Allusion Example: In The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the gargoyle Laverne tells a flock of pigeons to “Fly my pretties! Fly, Fly!” à la the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.

Other Examples of Allusion The Great Gatsby ▫The fixing of the 1919 World Series Romeo and Juliet ▫References to Cupid Tuesdays with Morrie ▫Letter from teacher ▫Flashbacks to Morrie’s childhood.

Function of Allusion The use of allusions enables writers to simplify complex ideas and emotions. The readers comprehend the complex ideas by comparing the emotions of the writer or poet to the references given by them. In most cases the references given have some meaning to the reader.

Homework Find three examples of allusion in literature you have read. Due next class.