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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—Barry Fitzgerald:
When preparing a drink for Robert—who has just arrived in upstate New York to visit the narrator and his wife—the narrator asks how he would like the drink. In his response, Robert alludes to the actor Barry Fitzgerald, as seen in the following passage:
“A little water with the scotch?” I said.
“Very little,” he said.
“I knew it,” I said.
He said, “Just a tad. The Irish actor, Barry Fitzgerald? I’m like that fellow. When I drink water, Fitzgerald said, I drink water. When I drink whiskey, I drink whiskey.” My wife laughed.
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