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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 Ivy Day in the Committee Room
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—The Catholic Church:
Throughout “Ivy Day in the Committee Room,” Joyce alludes to the Catholic Church in Ireland, highlighting how the Church is both morally and politically corrupt. The Church comes up for the first time when Old Jack complains about how the Catholic school he sent his son to didn’t help him to become a “decent” man:
– Ah, yes, he said, continuing, it’s hard to know what way to bring up children. Now who’d think he’d turn out like that! I sent him to the Christian Brothers and I done what I could for him, and there he goes boosing about. I tried to make him someway decent.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—King Edward VII:
As the canvassers are gossiping in the Committee Room early in the story, Hynes mentions “Edward Rex,” an allusion to King Edward VII:
Unlock with LitCharts A+– Don’t you know they want to present an address of welcome to Edward Rex if he comes here next year? What do we want kowtowing to a foreign king?
– Our man won’t vote for the address, said Mr O’Connor. He goes in on the Nationalist ticket.
– Won’t he? said Mr Hynes. Wait till you see whether he will or not. I know him. Is it Tricky Dicky Tierney?
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Explanation and Analysis—Ivy Day:
Though this short story is a work of fiction, Ivy Day was an actual yearly event celebrated in Ireland in the 20th century to honor the death of the famous Nationality Party Leader Charles Stewart Parnell. The first allusion to Ivy Day occurs near the beginning of the story when Nationalist Party canvasser Mat O’Connor lights a cigarette:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Mr O’Connor tore a strip off the card and, lighting it, lit his cigarette. As he did so the flame lit up a leaf of dark glossy ivy in the lapel of his coat.
Related Themes:
