1. Allusion
An allusion is a reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of literary, historical, cultural, or political significance.
It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers.
It is just a passing comment, and the writer expects the reader to have enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance/meaning in a text.
Allusions are unexplained references.

2. Let’s edit the next slide together!
Find the following errors:
Two comma violations (two unnecessary commas)
One spelling error
One error in usage (a homophone on your “Spelling Unforgivables” list)

4. Allusion Not to be confused with ILLUSIONS!
Here’s how you can remember the difference:
The illusions you see with your eye begin with an “i”!

5. Most Popular Allusions
are made to . . .
the Bible
Shakespeare
Greek/Roman Mythology

6. Shakespearean Allusions
To Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet
Many writers allude to Romeo and Juliet
when there is a story of lovers who are not supposed to be together because of others’ objections.
Examples:
Taylor Swift’s song “Love Story”
High School Musical 1, 2, & 3
movies West Side Story
Gnomeo and Juliet

7. Another common allusion to Romeo and Juliet . . .

8. More examples of allusions . . .
In literature . . .
Christy didn't like to spend money. She was no Scrooge, but she seldom purchased anything except the bare necessities. This is a popular allusion to Scrooge, the famous penny-pinching character of Charles Dickens' classic novel A Christmas Carol.
Jared is the Pied Piper of
teen fashion. Eventually we all
have to pay the piper!

9. In movies. In Austin Powers, Dr
In movies In Austin Powers, Dr. Evil tells Austin, "I am your father," with a Darth Vader voice. In Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the Star Wars theme is playing when the valets are speeding down the road in the convertible. Both are allusions to Star Wars.

10. In conversation . . . What is the allusion, and what does it mean?
When Renee crossed Ralph’s path, he had met his Waterloo.
 Waterloo refers to Napoleon’s downfall, his final defeat.
Donny is the Adonis of his class!
The Greek god Adonis is associated with physical attractiveness ; an Adonis would be a handsome young man.
Mr. Mikimoto has the Midas touch!
In Greek Mythology, everything
King Midas touched turned to gold.

11. Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”
There are both Biblical & mythological allusions in “The Raven.”
An example of a mythological allusion is when the raven perches on the bust of Pallas just above the speaker’s chamber door.
Pallas is an allusion or reference to the Greek Goddess, Pallas Athena, the goddess of wisdom.

12. Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”
There are both Biblical & mythological allusions in “The Raven.”
Stanza 7, line 38
“In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore.”
This allusion is a reference to the Bible story in which _____________ bring food to Elijah.

13. Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”
There are both Biblical & mythological allusions in “The Raven.”
Stanza 7, line 41
“Perched upon a bust of ___________
just above my chamber door--”
This allusion is a reference to Greek mythology; Pallas Athena is the goddess of wisdom.

14. Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”
There are both Biblical & mythological allusions in “The Raven.”
Stanza 8, line 47
“Tell me what thy lordly name is
on the Night’s Plutonian shore--”
In Roman mythology,
_________________ is the god of the dead.

15. Allusions are everywhere . . .
Be sure to look for allusions in literature, movies, and songs, ads, and of course, especially in “The Raven”!