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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
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Triumphal Progress:
In Chapter 1, Christie uses allusion in her description of the young and reckless Anthony Marston. As Marston drives towards Soldier Island, the narrator remarks:
Oh, well, he supposed there’d be a few girls there…. Coming out of the hotel, he stretched himself, yawned, looked up at the blue sky and climbed into the Dalmain. Several young women looked at him admiringly—his six feet of well-proportioned body, his crisp hair, tanned face, and intensely blue eyes. He let in the clutch with a roar and leapt up the narrow street. Old men and errand boys jumped for safety. The latter looked after the car admiringly. Anthony Marston proceeded on his triumphal progress.
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Tartar :
Christie alludes to the Tartars, a historical ethnic group based in Eastern Europe and Asia, in a scene in which Fred Narracott reflects upon the guests whom he has ferried to Soldier Island:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Fred Narracott sat by the engine thinking to himself that this was a queer lot. Not at all his idea of what Mr. Owen’s guests were likely to be. He’d expected something altogether more classy. Togged up women and gentlemen in yachting costume and all very rich and important looking. Not at all like Mr. Elmer Robson’s parties [...] Not this lot—none of them looked likely to have anything to do with a film star. He summed them up dispassionately. One old maid—the sour kind—he knew them well enough. She was a tartar he could bet.
Chapter 15
Explanation and Analysis—Priest's Hole:
Christie alludes to the historical practice of constructing a “priest's hole” in a scene in which Lombard and Claythorne consider and ultimately reject the possibility that Dr. Armstrong is hiding from the others somewhere in the mansion:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Vera said urgently: “If you didn’t find him last night, you won’t find him now… That’s common sense.”
Lombard said reluctantly: “Yes, but—”
“He must have prepared a secret place beforehand—naturally—of course it’s just what he would do. You know, like a Priest’s Hole in old manor houses.”
“This isn’t an old house of that kind.” “He could have had one made.” Philip Lombard shook his head. He said: “We measured the place—that first morning. I’ll swear there’s no space unaccounted for.”
