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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
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Rice Ceremony:
As Shukumar reflects on what it would have been like had his and Shoba’s baby not been stillborn, he alludes to a Hindu tradition:
Their baby had never cried, Shukumar considered. Their baby would never have a rice ceremony, even though Shoba had already made the guest list, and decided on which of her three brothers she was going to ask to feed the child its first taste of solid food, at six months if it was a boy, seven if it was a girl.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Agrarian Revolts:
In the first few pages of the story, the narrator sprinkles in background information about Shoba and Shukumar. When telling readers about Shukumar’s occupation as a doctoral student, the narrator alludes to the history of agrarian uprisings in India’s history, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[Shukumar] put a glass lid on a pot of lamb, adjusting it so only the slightest bit of steam could escape. Since January he’d been working at home, trying to complete the final chapters of his dissertation on agrarian revolts in India.
Related Themes:
