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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
Key Examples in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
Chapter Eighteen: Months of Peril
Explanation and Analysis—Liberty or Death:
In Chapter 18, Jacobs alludes to Patrick Henry's infamous 1775 "liberty or death" speech, about American colonial rights:
I had succeeded in cautiously conveying some messages to my relatives. They were harshly threatened, and despairing of my having a chance to escape, they advised me to return to my master, ask his forgiveness, and let him make an example of me. But such counsel had no influence with me. When I started upon this hazardous undertaking, I had resolved that, come what would, there should be no turning back. “Give me liberty, or give me death,” was my motto.
Related Themes:
Chapter Twenty-One: The Loophole of Retreat
Explanation and Analysis—Robinson Crusoe:
In Chapter 21, Linda goes into her new hiding place in the garret of Grandmother's shed. When she discovers a way she can make some holes to let in air and light, she makes an allusion to Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe:
Unlock with LitCharts A+One day I hit my head against something, and found it was a gimlet. My uncle had left it sticking there when he made the trap-door. I was as rejoiced as Robinson Crusoe could have been at finding such a treasure. It put a lucky thought into my head. I said to myself, “Now I will have some light. Now I will see my children.”
Related Themes:
Chapter Thirty-One: Incidents in Philadelphia
Explanation and Analysis—Bethel Church:
In Chapter 31, Jacobs alludes to the AME Bethel church in Philadelphia:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I made my way back to the wharf, where the captain introduced me to the colored man, as the Rev. Jeremiah Durham, minister of Bethel church. He took me by the hand, as if I had been an old friend. He told us we were too late for the morning cars to New York, and must wait until the evening, or the next morning. He invited me to go home with him, assuring me that his wife would give me a cordial welcome; and for my friend he would provide a home with one of his neighbors.
Related Themes:
Chapter Forty: The Fugitive Slave Law
Explanation and Analysis—Uncle Tom's Cabin:
In Chapter 40, in New York, Linda goes on the run again because Emily Flint (now Emily Dodge) is looking for her and could legally kidnap her back to South Carolina under the new Fugitive Slave Law. Jacobs alludes to one of the most famous scenes in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I was sent into New England, where I was sheltered by the wife of a senator, whom I shall always hold in grateful remembrance. This honorable gentleman would not have voted for the Fugitive Slave Law, as did the senator in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”; on the contrary, he was strongly opposed to it; but he was enough under its influence to be afraid of having me remain in his house many hours.
Related Themes:
