Allusion | Literary Term | English Literature | Major English | Plus Two Level
Allusion
is a reference to a well-known fictional, mythological, or historical person,
place, or event, outside the story. Allusions enrich a story by suggesting
similarities to comparable circumstances in another time or place; complex
ideas are brought to the readers' minds simply and easily. Allusions are often
indirect or brief references to well-known characters or events. Allusions are
often used to summarize broad, complex ideas or emotions in one quick, powerful
image. For example, to communicate the idea of self-sacrifice one may refer to
Jesus, as part of Jesus' story portrays him dying on the cross in order to save
mankind. Thus, allusions serve an important function in writing in that they
allow the reader to understand a difficult concept by relating to an already
familiar story.
Example:
Brightness falls from the air, Queens have died young and
fair, Dust hath closed Helen's eye.
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