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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
Act 1, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Goddess Isis:
In Act 1, Scene 2, Charmian alludes to Egyptian mythology during her conversation with the Soothsayer:
CHARMIAN: Our worser thoughts heavens mend. Alexas—
come, his fortune, his fortune! O, let him marry a
woman that cannot go, sweet Isis, I beseech thee, and
let her die, too, and give him a worse, and let worse
follow worse, till the worst of all follow him laughing
to his grave, fiftyfold a cuckold. Good Isis, hear me
this prayer, though thou deny me a matter of more
weight, good Isis, I beseech thee!
Act 1, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Antony and Hercules:
Act 1, Scene 3 of Antony and Cleopatra contains an allusion that is crucial to understanding Antony's character and behavior throughout the play:
Unlock with LitCharts A+ANTONY: Now by my sword—
CLEOPATRA: And target. Still he mends.
But this is not the best. Look, prithee, Charmian,
How this Herculean Roman does become
The carriage of his chafe.
Related Themes:
Act 1, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—Antony as Atlas:
In Act 1, Scene 5, Cleopatra alludes to Greek and Roman mythology, comparing one specific figure to her lover, Antony:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The demi-Atlas of this Earth, the arm
And burgonet of men.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Venus and Mars:
In Act 1, Scene 5, Cleopatra asks Mardian, a eunuch, if he has sexual proclivities or "affections." Mardian responds to her query with an allusion to Roman mythology:
Unlock with LitCharts A+CLEOPATRA: I take no pleasure
In aught an eunuch has. ’Tis well for thee
That, being unseminared, thy freer thoughts
May not fly forth of Egypt. Hast thou affections?MARDIAN: Yes, gracious madam.
CLEOPATRA: Indeed?
MARDIAN: Not in deed, madam, for I can do nothing
But what indeed is honest to be done.
Yet have I fierce affections, and think
What Venus did with Mars.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—Cleopatra's Emotions:
Over the course of Act 2, Scene 5, Cleopatra oscillates between extremes of emotion, alternately lashing out against and reassuring the messenger who brings her news of Antony's whereabouts. Cleopatra attacks the messenger verbally, utilizing simile and allusion to warn him of the dangers of bringing her bad news:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Well, go to, I will.
But there’s no goodness in thy face—if Antony
Be free and healthful, so tart a favor
To trumpet such good tidings! If not well,
Thou shouldst come like a Fury crowned with snakes,
Not like a formal man.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Trick Pictures:
Upon hearing the news of Antony's engagement to Octavia, Cleopatra becomes distraught, lashing out at those around her—in particular, the unfortunate messenger who brings her this distressing news. At the end of Act 2, Scene 5, Cleopatra utilizes a combination of metaphor and allusion to insult this messenger:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Let him forever go—let him not, Charmian.
Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon,
The other way’s a Mars.
Related Themes:
