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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—Cain's Heresy:
When the reader is introduced to Utterson in the first chapter, Utterson is presented as an extremely disciplined, almost puritanical man. Utterson is totally devoted to his work as a lawyer and refuses to grant himself even superficial pleasures. However, while Utterson is very disciplined when it comes to his own behavior, he doesn't really care what his friends do, as he outlines with this allusion:
“I incline to Cain’s heresy,” he used to say quaintly, “I let my brother go to the Devil in his own way.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Damon and Pythias:
In Chapter 2, Utterson visits Dr. Lanyon, an old friend of his and Jekyll’s, to see if he has any information on Hyde. When Utterson broaches the topic of Lanyon’s friendship with Jekyll, the doctor recalls that they had fallen out around ten years prior due to professional disagreements. Jekyll’s scientific experiments became more and more “fanciful,” in Lanyon’s words. He uses an allusion to make this point:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Such unscientific balderdash,” added the doctor, suddenly flushing purple, “would have estranged Damon and Pythias.”
Related Themes:
