Allusion
A reference to another work of literature, person, or event
Allusion is a literary device where the writer or speaker refers to a person, place, event, or work of literature or art that is well known but not explicitly mentioned. It allows the author to create an association or connection in the reader’s mind, adding depth and meaning to the text.
Examples of allusion include references to Greek mythology, such as calling someone a “narcissist,” which alludes to the myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection. Gustave Flaubert’s novel “Madame Bovary” alludes to Dante’s “Inferno” when Emma Bovary describes herself as being in a “circle of disillusionment.”
Allusions can be explicit, such as when the reference is clearly stated, or implicit, when the reader must infer the meaning. Skillful use of allusion by an author can add layers of meaning to a text and engage the reader on multiple levels.
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