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Alliteration
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 Hard Times
Book 1, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Robber Fancy:
In Book 1, Chapter 2, the narration describes M’Choakumchild’s approach to his preparatory lesson. The book uses both personification and allusion to compare more M'Choakumchild to Morgiana, a slave girl in the story of “Ali Baba and The Forty Thieves” (one of the stories from the Arabian Nights).
Say, good M’Choakumchild. When from thy burning store, thou shalt fill each jar brim full by and by, dost thou think that thou wilt always kill outright the robber Fancy lurking within–or sometimes only maim or distort him!
Related Themes:
Book 1, Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—A Coriolanian Nose:
In this description, Dickens makes an allusion to Roman history and myth when he describes Ms. Sparsit’s eyebrows as “Coriolanian.”
Unlock with LitCharts A+And here she was now, in her elderly days, with the Coriolanian style of nose and the dense black eyebrows which had captivated Sparsit, making Mr Bounderby’s tea as he took his breakfast.
Book 1, Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Towers of Babel:
In this passage describing the city of Coketown, the book makes an allusion to the biblical Tower of Babel:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The bell again; the glare of light and heat dispelled; the factories, looming heavy in the black wet night—their tall chimneys rising up into the air like competing Towers of Babel.
Related Themes:
Book 3, Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Faith, Hope, and Charity:
In the final chapter of Hard Times, it is revealed that as Gradgrind ages, he will learn to prioritize the values of “Faith, Hope and Charity,” putting facts and utility in second place. This passage contains an allusion to the Bible:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Here was Mr. Gradgrind on the same day, and in the same hour, sitting thoughtful in his own room. [...] Did he see himself, a white-haired decrepit man, bending his hitherto inflexible theories to appointed circumstances; making his facts and figures subservient to Faith, Hope, and Charity, and no longer trying to grind that Heavenly trio in his dusty little mills?
Related Themes:
