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Allegory
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 7, Heavier Boots
Explanation and Analysis—Hamlet's Shadow:
Foer weaves Shakespeare's Hamlet into Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close as a layered allusion that amplifies Oskar's grief. Early in the novel, Oskar talks about learning in National Geographic that there are more people alive now than have ever died. He goes on:
In other words, if everyone wanted to play Hamlet at once, they couldn't, because there aren't enough skulls!
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