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Allegory
Definition of Allusion
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... read full definition
An Alternative to the Prologue
Explanation and Analysis—Biblical Famine:
In Shaw's Alternative to the Prologue, the Egyptian guards search for Cleopatra, intent on selling her to Ptolemy. When Cleopatra cannot be found, the soldiers threaten the queen's caretaker, Ftatateeta, who responds with a rebuttle and a biblical allusion:
FTATATEETA: [savagely] Touch me, dog; and the Nile will not rise on your fields for seven times seven years of famine.
Ftatateeta makes reference here to a passage from the biblical Book of Genesis, in which Joseph interprets the dreams of the Pharaoh of Egypt. Joseph interprets these dreams as such: "Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land" (Genesis 41:29-30, KJV). Ftatateeta's prophecy, on the other hand, predicts only famine for those who would dare to cross her.
Through this allusion, Shaw characterize Ftatateeta as a woman who prefers Old Testament vengeance to mercy or forgiveness, a trait that remains consistent in her throughout the play. Despite the interventions of the more merciful Caesar, Cleopatra develops a similar value system, making evident the power of Ftatateeta's influence.
Related Themes:
