Definition
Allusion: an indirect and usually brief reference to a
person, place, or event.
This reference is probably explicit, but its meaning
can be understood only if the person, place, or event
is well known by all or known by the reader.
An allusion can help the reader develop their
understanding of the theme of the book, or bring up
a new theme based on that small reference.
Purpose
We, as readers, need to know what allusions are so
we can identify them in our reading.
We need to be able to recognize allusions in the
books we read because they are usually important in
our overall understanding of the book.
For example, if the name of a character was an
allusion to a different character in another literary
work, that similarity could reveal something about
the character that we wouldn’t have known if we
hadn’t found the allusion.
Allusion in The Outsiders
Allusions:
The poem by Robert Frost is
a direct allusion.
The book Gone with the
Wind is mentioned by title,
as well.
The themes of both works
help develop the theme of
The Outsiders.
The Poem:
“Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower,
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.”
Allusions in The Giver
There are many references to the Bible in the Giver:
- The baby Gabriel’s name could be an allusion to the
Angel Gabriel in the Christian religion.
- Jonas’ name alludes to the story of Jonah and the
whale. (See poster.)
- When Jonas is selected to be the Giver, it alludes to
the story of Jesus and how they were both “The
Chosen One.”
Allusions in Fahrenheit 451
The allusions in F451 are significant because they are the
references to our classics.
We created our classic presentations and taught our class
about their themes and plots to make sure that when the
allusions to our classics came up in Fahrenheit, the class
would understand them.
Example: “It is computed that eleven thousand persons have
at several times suffered death rather than submit to break
their eggs at the smaller end.” This was the reference to my
classic, Gulliver’s Travels. If you hadn’t watched my
PowerPoint on the book, you wouldn’t have understood the
allusion to the Laputians and their dispute over breaking
eggs.
Allusion in Gulliver’s Travels
The section of Gulliver’s Travels where Gulliver goes to
Glubbdubdrib is the land where the king can call people up
from the dead.
In this part Jonathan Swift alludes to many renowned thinkers
and scientists, battle heroes and royalty. The mention of their
names brings up their ideas and philosophies.
This part of the book allows Swift to combine his ideas with
the ideas of the people he references in this section.
For example: “I proposed that Homer and Aristotle might
appear at the head of all their commentators...”
Allusion in Pop Culture
A literary work might include Jesus’ name to
demonstrate the theme of knowledge or selfsacrifice, often for the good of others.
The bracelets and t-shirts that bear the slogan:
WWJD?, or What Would Jesus Do?, is an allusion
to the wisdom and selflessness of Jesus’
decisions.
Homework Assignment
Find an allusion in your AR book.
Write a paragraph including a short explanation of the
allusion, what it alludes to, and what that tells you about
your book.
Example: The “It is computed” reference in F451 alludes to
Gulliver’s Travels. This helped me develop the themes “the
victors write the history,” people dying for what they
believe, and rebellion. Finally this led to the dichotomy of
making a statement and making a difference.
This assignment is due tomorrow.
Questions?