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Literary Devices
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
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—John Donne:
The title of For Whom the Bell Tolls is a direct allusion to a famous excerpt from John Donne's poetry anthology Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions. The poem ends thus: "Each man's death diminishes me, / For I am involved in mankind. / Therefore, send not to know / For whom the bell tolls, / It tolls for thee."
Related Themes:
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Poetry and Language:
In the following passage from Chapter 1, Hemingway includes an allusion referencing Francisco de Quevedo, a writer from Spain's baroque period (early 17th century to 1750s).
Unlock with LitCharts A+The old man turned toward him suddenly and spoke rapidly and furiously in a dialect that Robert Jordan could just follow. It was like reading Quevedo. Anselmo was speaking old Castilian and it went something like this, "Art thou a brute? Yes. Art thou a beast? Yes, many times. Hast thou a brain? Nay. None. Now we come for something of consummate importance and thee, with thy dwelling place to be undisturbed, puts thy fox-hole before the interests of humanity."
Related Themes:
