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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—Jimi Hendrix:
After the story's first large time jump, Roberta makes an allusion to Jimi Hendrix (a well-known contemporary musician) to snub Twyla and demonstrate how far the two have grown apart:
Instead she lit a cigarette off the one she’d just finished and said, 'We’re on our way to the Coast. He’s got an appointment with Hendrix.' She gestured casually toward the boy next to her. 'Hendrix? Fantastic,' I said. 'Really fantastic. What’s she doing now?' Roberta coughed on her cigarette and the two guys rolled their eyes up at the ceiling. 'Hendrix. Jimi Hendrix, asshole. He’s only the biggest— Oh, wow. Forget it.'
Jimi Hendrix was an icon of rock and roll and the changing culture of the 1960s. Roberta's familiarity with him and Twyla's lack thereof epitomizes the rift between American mainstream culture and counterculture at this time. The two childhood friends—raised in the same orphanage—have somehow fallen into opposite societal camps.
Roberta's affinity for Hendrix disturbs Twyla on a more personal level, too. A far cry from the traditional Christian roots instilled by her mother, Roberta's proximity to counterculture and rebellion unsettles Twyla. Her old friend is almost unrecognizable to her now, not only socially separated from her, but seemingly separated from her childhood self. Similarly, Roberta is bothered by Twyla's ignorance of youth culture. To her, Twyla likely appears stuck in her ways and averse to social change. Both are surprised and somewhat disappointed by who their friend has become in adulthood.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—TV Shows:
Twyla alludes to contemporary pop culture to illustrate the feeling of hollowness many children and parents experienced as they navigated desegregation controversies:
Other mothers organized living room sessions so the kids would keep up. None of the kids could concentrate so they drifted back to The Price Is Right and The Brady Bunch.
Joseph and the other children are evidently attracted to empty, almost plotless programming in spite of the chaos around them. Although they are living through one of the greatest historical turning points of their lives, they turn to dull entertainment to numb the uncomfortable sensation of the moment. This speaks to a possible cultural preference for escapism and sublimation at this time, where thoughtless media attempts to poorly fill the role of education. Like the unfolding of an episode of "The Price is Right" itself, this strategy ultimately fails because it makes no strides toward easing the racial tensions which have caused the school closures in the first place.
The mothers, for their part, are also unable to properly wrangle the children and deliver their lessons. This reflects the way many of them likely felt out of control and helpless in this situation. Without adequate institutional support, they had little chance to individually overcome the challenges racial discrimination wrought for the entire community.
Related Themes:
