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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
1919
Explanation and Analysis—Jack's Beanstalk:
As he finally awakens in the hospital, Shadrack discovers his hands have begun to grow before his eyes. In the following passage from 1919, Morrison incorporates an allusion to the English fairy tale, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” to emphasize Shadrack’s departure from reality following his return from the war:
Slowly he directed one hand toward the cup and, just as he was about to spread his fingers, they began to grow in higgledy-piggledy fashion like Jack's beanstalk all over the tray and the bed.
In this moment, the novel’s parameters of reality are not entirely clear. The reader might initially question whether Shadrack’s hands are, indeed, growing. Morrison’s use of allusion here (as well as the childlike phrase “higgledy-piggledy”) signals that Shadrack is imagining the effect. This is almost a moment of magical realism, creating greater mystery and wonder around Shadrack’s reemergence in society.
The strange, imagined growth of Shadrack’s hands is most likely a physical manifestation of some trauma that remains with him after the war. Even upon returning to Bottom, Shadrack appears to live in his own reality, separated from the rest of the community. His annual celebration of National Suicide Day, for example, exemplifies his strange behavior. Ultimately, this allusion to “Jack and the Beanstalk” confirms that Shadrack’s hands are growing in his imagination, but not in reality.
Related Themes:
