Allusion
A reference, in literature, to another
piece of literature or a person/event
from history or culture
Examples
»
Think about the now ultrafamous Harry Potter series. In
this series alone, there are
numerous allusions. Here are
four mythological allusions
from the series:
• http://gosps.net/faculty/ketheredge/eng9/m
ythologywebquest/harrypotter.html
Common Sources
• There are a few common sources for allusions,
though they can come from most anywhere.
• Mythology: there are tons
of references to myths and
creatures from Greek and
Roman mythology these days.
It’s actually been that way
since Greek and Roman times!
Other Common Sources
Fairytales: do you ever read
about someone following a
trail of breadcrumbs, or
crying wolf, or advising that
slow and steady wins the
race? These are all
references to fairytales and
fables.
More Sources
• The Bible: The famous parables from the
Bible, such as Noah’s Ark and Jonah and
the whale, are also frequently alluded to,
even by non-Christian writers.
How can you use allusions in your
writing?
• It’s easy. Any time you make a reference to a myth, a
Bible story, a fairytale, or really even to a historical
person or event, you’re using allusion.
• EXAMPLE: Even though he wanted to fight, I turned the
other cheek. {Bible}
• EXAMPLE: They all started the race at a sprint, but I was
like the tortoise. {Fairytale}
• EXAMPLE: Like Icarus flying too close to the sun, Bree
was always pushing the limit. {Mythology}
• EXAMPLE: It was like 9-11 all over again.
{Historical/Cultural}
Symbolism
• A symbol is an object that represents an
idea or a character, so symbolism is the
purposeful use of symbols to convey
ideas. What idea or ideas does this
symbol convey to you?
What kinds of symbols are used in
literature?
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNfHfIA
QoQk&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_
mode=1&safe=active
• Can you think of other commonly
employed symbols?
Uncommon Symbols
• Just because there is a list of commonly
used symbols doesn’t mean that they will
appear in your books. Most times, each
author employs his or her own symbols.
For example, in the Hunger Games series,
the mockingjay is a bird that becomes a
symbol for rebellion. As a matter of fact,
the main character is called the
mockingjay because she is the face of the
rebellion.
Motif
• A motif is a recurring
object, concept, or
structure in a work
of literature.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkcWP
zYAqkk&safety_mode=true&persist_safety
_mode=1&safe=active
Some motifs in classic literature?
•
•
•
•
Alice in Wonderland = dreams
A Day No Pigs Would Die = education
The Outsiders = literary works
Harry Potter = points
• Can you think of a motif to repeat in your
literary device story?
Motifs in Film
• Sixth Sense = the
color red
• The Lord of the
Rings = the ring
• A Christmas Carol = money
Your Task
• Write a two-paragraph literary device story
that employs either an allusion, a symbol,
or a motif. Underline your device and label
it.
• In your story, use two vocabulary words
from your reader’s notebook.
• Give your story a proper heading and a
title, and double-space it.
• Use your best spelling and punctuation.
Theme
• A truth or message about life that
one gets by reading a piece of
literature or viewing a film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4qME64SkxM
&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&sa
fe=active
Task
• Write a two-paragraph story using either
theme, characterization, or archetype.
Underline it and label it, or write an
explanation at the end of the story.
• Use two vocabulary words from your
reader’s notebook in the story, and
underline them.
Examples of Theme
• Harry Potter and the
Chamber of Secrets =
Everyone relies on others.
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows = It is
important to give people second chances.
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire = Nothing is
more powerful than self-sacrifice
Your Task
• Use the quotationary or the internet to look up a quote
that represents a piece of wisdom about life. These are
often themes used in literature!
Characterization
• the way a character is portrayed through
that character’s actions, words, and
thoughts; and through the words of others
about that character
Direct and Indirect Characterization
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pib7gB
MuaXY&feature=related&safety_mode=tru
e&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
So, how do I write it?
• In analysis, like essays, you provide
adjectives to describe the character, such
as courageous, clever, and kind. You also
need to provide actions that show the
character deserves those adjectives.
• In a creative story, like your literary device
story, you fully describe the character and
make him or her do things to demonstrate
his or her traits.
Archetype
• Characters, images, and themes that
symbolically embody universal meanings
and basic human experiences
• Examples of character archetypes include
the fool, the wise old man, the damsel in
distress, the witch, the hero, the underdog,
the trickster
Non-character
archetypes?
• Some archetypes are
not archetypes, but
rather physical things,
like fog that represents
confusion, and water
that represents purity
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHA5ZTVV3n
0&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&s
afe=active
Some classic archetypical film
characters
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnSHT
EngLA&feature=related&safety_mode=true&
persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active