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 Flowers for Algernon
Progris riport 2
Explanation and Analysis—Ink Blots:
Charlie describes his attempt to see “pictures” in the Rorschach inkblot cards during a session with Burt, showing the gap between the test’s expected responses and Charlie’s own answers. In describing the inkblot test, the author makes one of many allusions to the experimental 20th-century practice of American psychological testing:
I dont remembir so good what Burt said but I remembir he wantid me to say what was in the ink. I dint see nothing in the ink but Burt sed there was picturs there. I coudnt see no picturs. I reely tryed to see. I holded the card up close and then far away. Then I said if I had my eye glassis I coud probaly see better I usully only ware my eyeglassis in the movies or to watch TV but I sed maybe they will help me see the picturs in the ink. I put them on and I said now let me see the card agan I bet I find it now.
Related Themes:
Progress Report 10
Explanation and Analysis—A Hunger:
Charlie’s growing drive for knowledge finds some relief in his ravenous reading. Keyes makes allusions to several important Western writers as he describes how Charlie’s daily routine centers on reading:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I spend most of my free time at the library now, reading and soaking up what I can from books. I’m not concentrating on anything in particular, just reading a lot of fiction now—Dostoevski, Flaubert, Dickens, Hemingway, Faulkner—everything I can get my hands on—feeding a hunger that can’t be satisfied.
Related Themes:
