Previous
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 Bartleby, the Scrivener
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—John C. Colt:
The day after the Lawyer officially fires Bartleby he finds Bartleby still in the office, seemingly never having left. The Lawyer captures his feelings of rage toward Bartleby via an allusion to John C. Colt’s infamous 1841 murder of Samuel Adams:
Bartleby and I were alone. I remembered the tragedy of the unfortunate Adams and the still more unfortunate Colt in the solitary office of the latter […] Often it had occurred to me in my ponderings upon the subject, that had that altercation taken place in the public street, or at a private residence, it would not have terminated as it did. It was the circumstance of being alone in a solitary office, up stairs, of a building entirely unhallowed by humanizing domestic associations […] which greatly helped to enhance the irritable desperation of the hapless Colt.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Cicero:
While the Lawyer’s office is primarily unadorned, he does have a bust of Cicero on display—an allusion to the ancient Roman philosopher and statesman. The Lawyer mentions the sculpture in the scene in which he asks Bartleby about himself, and Bartleby refuses to share anything:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Will you tell me any thing about yourself?”
“I would prefer not to.”
“But what reasonable objection can you have to speak to me? I feel friendly towards you.”
He did not look at me while I spoke, but kept his glance fixed upon my bust of Cicero, which as I then sat, was directly behind me, some six inches above my head.
Related Themes:
