Previous
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 9
Explanation and Analysis—Mount Everest:
In Chapter 9, Scout complains about her Aunt Alexandra, using a combination of simile and allusion:
Had I ever harbored the mystical notions about mountains that seem to obsess lawyers and judges, Aunt Alexandra would have been analogous to Mount Everest: throughout my early life, she was cold and there.
Scout uses simile to compare her Aunt to Mount Everest: she is cold, she is present, but she provides nothing more to her niece. Juxtaposed against Atticus, Aunt Alexandra is harsh and uncaring, despite pretending to be concerned at how Jem and Scout are being raised. She cares more about the family name and whether or not it is, in her opinion, being tarnished.
This passage may also allude to a quote from Sir Edmund Hillary, the first western man to reach the summit of Mount Everest. When asked why he climbed the mountain, Hillary famously responded, "because it is there." Similarly, Aunt Alexandra is "cold and there," unconcerned with Jem and Scout until she has the opportunity to judge them and comment on Atticus's parenting. Her statements of concern regarding Jem and Scout's upbringing are centered more around Aunt Alexandra than the children. Alexandra is engaging in moral posturing, and even Scout, as young as she is, can sense the lack of sincerity.
Related Themes:
