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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
Chapter 23
Explanation and Analysis—Scheherazade's Head:
In Chapter 23, the narrator uses an allusion to describe Anne's decision to keep Mr. Elliot's selfish intentions to herself after spending an unpleasant evening with him:
Her faith was plighted, and Mr Elliot's character, like the Sultaness Scheherazade's head, must live another day.
The Sultaness Scheherazade is an allusion to the narrator of the collection of tales One Thousand and One Nights. The Sultaness is married to the Sultan, who—bitter at the infidelity of a past wife—has a habit of marrying a young bride only to behead her the next morning. The Sultaness stays alive by telling a story each evening, promising to finish it the next morning. The Sultan is so entertained that he keeps her alive for 1,001 nights. Austen includes this allusion to dramatize both Mr Elliot's betrayal and the difficult position Anne is in. Although Mrs. Smith has informed Anne of Mr. Elliot's real intentions—to get close to the Elliots in order to prevent Mrs. Clay from marrying into the family—she has yet to tell her family.
The narrator also makes this allusion through the use of a simile, comparing Mr. Elliot's character to Scheherazade's head. This suggests Mr. Elliot's character—his positive reputation in Anne's circle and good standing with Lady Russell in particular—has been "saved," for the moment, from death or destruction.
