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Alliteration
Definition of Allusion
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... read full definition
Key Examples in A Christmas Carol
Stave 1
Explanation and Analysis—Hamlet:
In Stave 1, the narrator makes an allusion to Shakespeare's Hamlet. In this play, the father of young prince Hamlet dies only to reappear to him as a ghost that demands revenge for his death. The narrator of A Christmas Carol claims that viewers of Hamlet must be convinced of King Hamlet's death if they are to find his appearance by the tower remarkable:
If we were not perfectly convinced that Hamlet's Father died before the play began, there would be nothing more remarkable in his taking a stroll at night, in an easterly wind, upon his own ramparts, than there would be in any other middle-aged gentleman rashly turning out after dark in a breezy spot.
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Explanation and Analysis—The Star of Bethlehem:
Marley's ghost makes an apt allusion to the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Wise Men to Jesus shortly after he was born. In this passage, Marley's ghost recalls being an ignorant man who ignored the plights of other people:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!"
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