Allusion
Literary term · say it uh-LOO-zhun
An allusion is a brief reference to a story, person, event, or work of art that readers may recognize. It brings extra meaning into a passage without explaining the whole source.
Three common kinds of allusion
Biblical allusion
A reference to a person, story, or image from the Bible brings its associations into the passage.
At the opening of Moby-Dick, the narrator introduces himself as Ishmael. His name recalls the biblical son of Abraham who is sent away into the wilderness, suggesting separation and wandering.
In Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Mythological allusion
A reference to a god, creature, or event from myth adds a familiar image or comparison.
In his first soliloquy in Hamlet, Hamlet compares his dead father to Hyperion and his uncle to a satyr. These mythological figures sharpen the contrast between the father he admires and the uncle he despises.
In Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Literary allusion
A reference to another literary work connects the present story with its characters, events, or ideas.
When the creature confronts Victor in Frankenstein, he compares his position to both Adam and the fallen angel in Milton's Paradise Lost. The comparison highlights his wish for care and his anger at rejection.
In Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
How to spot allusion
- Look for names or phrases that point beyond the present story.
- Identify the earlier story, person, or event being recalled.
- Ask what that reference adds to the passage.
What is the difference between an allusion and an illusion?
An allusion is a reference, while an illusion is something that seems real or true but is not. A character's comparison to Hercules is an allusion; a trick of light that looks like a person is an illusion.
Do readers need to recognize every allusion?
Readers do not need to recognize every allusion to follow a story, though recognizing one can deepen its meaning. If a reference seems important, a short note or a quick check can reveal a useful comparison, joke, or warning.
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