Allusion

A reference, in literature, to another piece of literature or a person/event

from history or culture

Examples

» Think about the now ultra- famous Harry Potter series. In this series alone, there are numerous allusions. Here are four mythological allusions from the series:

• http://gosps.net/faculty/ketheredge/eng9/mythologywebquest/harrypotter.html

Common Sources

• There are a few common sources for allusions, though they can come from most anywhere.

• Mythology: there are tons

of references to myths and

creatures from Greek and

Roman mythology these days.

It’s actually been that way

since Greek and Roman times!

Other Common Sources

Fairytales: do you ever read about someone

following a trail of breadcrumbs, or crying wolf, or advising that slow and steady wins the race? These are all references to fairytales and fables.

More Sources

• The Bible: The famous parables from the Bible, such as Noah’s Ark and Jonah and the whale, are also frequently alluded to, even by non-Christian writers.

How can you use allusions in your writing?

• It’s easy. Any time you make a reference to a myth, a Bible story, a fairytale, or really even to a historical person or event, you’re using allusion.

• EXAMPLE: Even though he wanted to fight, I turned the other cheek. {Bible}

• EXAMPLE: They all started the race at a sprint, but I was like the tortoise. {Fairytale}

• EXAMPLE: Like Icarus flying too close to the sun, Bree was always pushing the limit. {Mythology}

• EXAMPLE: It was like 9-11 all over again. {Historical/Cultural}

Symbolism

• A symbol is an object that represents an idea or a character, so symbolism is the purposeful use of symbols to convey ideas. What idea or ideas does this symbol convey to you?

What kinds of symbols are used in literature?

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNfHfIAQoQk&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

• Can you think of other commonly employed symbols?

Uncommon Symbols

• Just because there is a list of commonly used symbols doesn’t mean that they will appear in your books. Most times, each author employs his or her own symbols. For example, in the Hunger Games series, the mockingjay is a bird that becomes a symbol for rebellion. As a matter of fact, the main character is called the mockingjay because she is the face of the rebellion.

Motif

• A motif is a recurring

object, concept, or

structure in a work

of literature.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkcWPzYAqkk&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

Some motifs in classic literature?

• Alice in Wonderland = dreams

• A Day No Pigs Would Die = education

• The Outsiders = literary works

• Harry Potter = points

• Can you think of a motif to repeat in your literary device story?

Motifs in Film

• Sixth Sense = the color red

• The Lord of the Rings = the ring

• A Christmas Carol = money

Your Task

• Write a two-paragraph literary device story that employs either an allusion, a symbol, or a motif. Underline your device and label it.

• In your story, use two vocabulary words from your reader’s notebook.

• Give your story a proper heading and a title, and double-space it.

• Use your best spelling and punctuation.

Theme

• A truth or message about life that one gets by reading a piece of literature or viewing a film

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4qME64SkxM&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

Task

• Write a two-paragraph story using either theme, characterization, or archetype. Underline it and label it, or write an explanation at the end of the story.

• Use two vocabulary words from your reader’s notebook in the story, and underline them.

Examples of Theme

• Harry Potter and the

Chamber of Secrets =

Everyone relies on others.

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows = It is important to give people second chances.

• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire = Nothing is more powerful than self-sacrifice

Your Task

• Use the quotationary or the internet to look up a quote that represents a piece of wisdom about life. These are often themes used in literature!

Characterization

• the way a character is portrayed through that character’s actions, words, and thoughts; and through the words of others about that character

Direct and Indirect Characterization

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pib7gBMuaXY&feature=related&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

So, how do I write it?

• In analysis, like essays, you provide adjectives to describe the character, such as courageous, clever, and kind. You also need to provide actions that show the character deserves those adjectives.

• In a creative story, like your literary device story, you fully describe the character and make him or her do things to demonstrate his or her traits.

Archetype

• Characters, images, and themes that symbolically embody universal meanings and basic human experiences

• Examples of character archetypes include the fool, the wise old man, the damsel in distress, the witch, the hero, the underdog, the trickster

Non-character archetypes?• Some archetypes are

not archetypes, but

rather physical things,

like fog that represents

confusion, and water

that represents purity• http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=PHA5ZTVV3n0&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

Some classic archetypical film characters

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnSHTEn-gLA&feature=related&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active