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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
Key Examples in Cry, the Beloved Country
Book I, Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Pass Laws:
Chapter 12 features a strange use of narrative perspective and a historical allusion. After Arthur Jarvis’s murder, social unrest sweeps across the country and white voices murmur amongst themselves:
They should enforce the pass laws, Jackson.
But I tell you the pass laws don't work.
They’d work if they were enforced.
But I tell you they're unenforceable. Do you know that we send one hundred thousand natives every year to prison, where they mix with real criminals?
Related Themes:
Book II, Chapter 20
Explanation and Analysis—Abraham Lincoln:
The narrative includes an allusion in Chapter 20, when James Jarvis rummages through his dead son’s study. The room is stocked with books and writings, many of which feature important historical figures:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He rose from the chair to look at the books. Here were hundreds of books, all about Abraham Lincoln. He had not known that so many books had been written about any one man. One bookcase was full of them.
Related Themes:
