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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
Act 1, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Carthage Queen:
In Act 1, Scene 1, Hermia makes an allusion to the story of Dido and Aeneas from Virgil's epic, The Aeneid. Hermia's love for Lysander is forbidden by her father and by the Duke of Athens, but she believes that this test of their relationship will only prove its strength. They agree to meet the next day and flee the city together. As she prepares to part from him, she says:
I swear to thee by Cupid’s strongest bow,
By his best arrow with the golden head,
By the simplicity of Venus’ doves,
By that which knitteth souls and prospers loves,
And by that fire which burned the Carthage queen
When the false Trojan under sail was seen, [...]
Related Themes:
Act 3, scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Venus:
In Act 3, Scene 2, Hermia and Demetrius discover each other in the forest, and Demetrius communicates the depth of his feeling for her by making an allusion to the goddess and planet of love, Venus. Hermia is distressed because Lysander has left her in the woods, disrupting her confidence in the strength of their devotion to each other. She accuses Demetrius of killing Lysander, as she believes that nothing but death could draw him from her side. Her accusation wounds Demetrius, who has done no such thing. He says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+So should the murdered look, and so should I,
Pierced through the heart with your stern cruelty.
Yet you, the murderer, look as bright, as clear
As yonder Venus in her glimmering sphere.
