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Allegory
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
Zero (August 7, 1944): Bombs Away
Explanation and Analysis—Egyptian Plagues:
In Section Zero, which depicts the bombing of Saint-Malo by American soldiers, Doerr includes a biblical allusion to the plagues of Exodus:
The underside of the sky goes black with flecks. Marie-Laure’s great-uncle, locked with several
hundred others inside the gates of Fort National, a quarter mile offshore, squints up and thinks,
Locusts, and an Old Testament proverb comes back to him from some cobwebbed hour of parish
school: The locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in ranks.
Related Themes:
One (1934): Herr Siedler
Explanation and Analysis—Einstein:
In Section One, Werner is called to visit the house of Herr Siedler, an affluent man who requires a radio repair. During their encounter, Herr Siedler cannot help but draw visual connections between Werner and a certain famous German scientist. In the following passage, Doerr alludes to this scientist in all but name:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Werner eats one piece of cake, then another, then takes a third. Herr Siedler watches with his head slightly cocked, amused, considering something. “You do have a look, don’t you? And that hair. Like you’ve had a terrible shock. Who is your father?”
Werner shakes his head.
“Right. Children’s House. Silly me."
Related Themes:
