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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
Part 1, Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Heal Thyself:
Early in Chapter 1, Whitehead alludes to an ancient proverb as he fleshes out the relationship between Carney and Aronowitz. This allusion shapes the reader's impression of Carney, giving insight into the pride the character takes in his business knowledge, the discretion he shows other businesspeople, and his aversion to business advice.
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Part 1, Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Dumas:
In Harlem Shuffle, Whitehead digs into the distinctions and divisions that exist within the Black community. A recurring element that sheds light on this theme is the Dumas Club, a fictional member's club that Carney eventually tries to join. Through this motif, which contains an allusion to the Black French writer Alexandre Dumas, Whitehead captures the colorism and class stratification that shape Carney's experience.
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Part 2, Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Adam Clayton Powell Jr.:
Harlem Shuffle is full of historical and cultural allusions that evoke the time period. While many of these are simply references that are mentioned in passing by the narrator, a well-known figure briefly appears in the events of the narrative. When Adam Clayton Powell Jr. attends the Harlem Small Business Association at the start of Part 2, Whitehead plays with dramatic irony to amuse his modern reader.
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Explanation and Analysis—Dumas:
In Harlem Shuffle, Whitehead digs into the distinctions and divisions that exist within the Black community. A recurring element that sheds light on this theme is the Dumas Club, a fictional member's club that Carney eventually tries to join. Through this motif, which contains an allusion to the Black French writer Alexandre Dumas, Whitehead captures the colorism and class stratification that shape Carney's experience.
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Part 3, Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—Freddie's Submarine:
In Part 3, Chapter 5, Whitehead uses an extended submarine metaphor to describe Freddie's periodic embroilment in the criminal underworld. The character is on board a submarine any time he's "cut off from the lives of normal people." While the allusions that appear alongside the extended metaphor—to the movies Run Silent, Run Deep and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea—carry a connotation of action and adventure, the metaphor itself is imbued with a gloomy atmosphere.
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