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Literary Devices
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 Moveable Feast
Chapter 9: Ford Madox Ford and the Devil’s Disciple
Explanation and Analysis—Harry Hotspur:
In Chapter 9, Hemingway has a strange and perplexing conversation with Ford Madox Ford on a café patio. As he tries to understand how Ford differentiates between a "gentleman" and a "cad," Hemingway alludes to a short novel by Anthony Trollope:
“You might be considered a gentleman in Italy,” Ford said magnanimously.
“But I’m not a cad?”
“Of course not, dear boy. Who ever said such a thing?
“I might become one,” I said sadly. “Drinking brandy and all. That was what did it for Lord Harry Hotspur in Trollope. Tell me, was Trollope a gentleman?”
“Of course not.”
“You’re sure?”
“There might be two opinions. But not in mine.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 14: Evan Shipman at the Lilas
Explanation and Analysis—Mansfield vs. Chekhov:
In Chapter 14, Hemingway alludes to two other short story writers, Katherine Mansfield and Anton Chekhov. He uses a series of similes to express his preference for Chekhov:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I had been told Katherine Mansfield was a good short-story writer, even a great short-story writer, but trying to read her after Chekov was like hearing the carefully artificial tales of a young old-maid compared to those of an articulate and knowing physician who was a good and simple writer. Mansfield was like near-beer. It was better to drink water. But Chekov was not water except for the clarity. There were some stories that seemed to be only journalism. But there were wonderful ones too.
Related Themes:
