allusion. an allusion is a brief reference to a person, event, or place, real or fictitious, or to...
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Allusion
An allusion is a brief reference to a person, event, or place, real or fictitious, or to a work of art.
Casual reference to a famous historical or literary figure or event.
An allusion may be drawn from history, geography, literature, or religion.
Example: "He was a Good Samaritan yesterday when he
helped the lady start her car." This refers to the Biblical story of the Good
Samaritan.
Don’t get confused… An allusion is a
reference, something you allude to: "Herallusion to flowers reminded me that Valentine's Day wascoming."
Don't confuse this with illusion. An illusion is a mirage, hallucination, or a magic trick.
*Think "Doesn't being fooled just make you ill?"
Allusions can help writers in several different ways:
Allusions engage the reader and will often help the reader remember the message or theme of the passage.
Allusions allow the writer to give an example or get a point across without going into a lengthy explanation.
However, an allusion won't work unless the reader knows about the story or event that is referenced.
Identify the allusions in the following quotes:
"I was surprised his nose was not growing like Pinocchio's.“
"When she lost her job, she acted like a Scrooge, and refused to buy anything that wasn't necessary."
"He was a real Romeo with the ladies.“
"Chocolate was her Achilles' heel"
Find the allusion:
"Cole couldn't believe his parents were letting this happen to him. What jerks! He hated his parents. His mom acted like a scared Barbie doll, always looking good but never fighting back or standing up to anyone. His dad was a bullheaded drinker with a temper. He figured everything was Cole's fault. Why wasn't his room clean? Why hadn't he emptied the garbage? Why hadn't he mowed the lawn? Why was he even alive?"
Find the allusion:
"'Talk is cheap. They want you to walk your talk.'
'How can I prove anything sitting in this stinking place?'
'Think about it, Einstein. What if it turns out you're nothing more than a baby-faced con? What then?' Garvey threw up his hands."