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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
Act 1, scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Anaeas and Anchises:
In Act 1, Scene 2, Cassius tells stories of Caesar's supposed weakness in order to pit Brutus against him. At one moment, Cassius describes a time in which he saved Caesar from drowning. He makes his point through simile and an allusion to the story of the epic hero, Aeneas:
Caesar cried “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!”
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,
Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber
Did I the tired Caesar.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Big Caesar, Big Problems:
In Act 1, Scene 2, Cassius shows his disdain for Caesar as Brutus and he remark on the crowd's ecstatic reception of Caesar's victory over Pompey. He makes an allusion alludes to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, to describe Caesar's perceived stature over his peers:
Unlock with LitCharts A+BRUTUS:
I do believe that these applauses are
For some new honors that are heaped on Caesar.CASSIUS:
Why, man, he doth bestrie the narrow world
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonorable graves.
Related Themes:
Act 3, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Ate, Goddess of Ruin:
In Act 3, Scene 1, Antony kneels by Caesar's dead body and offers a grief-filled soliloquy as tribute to his fallen friend. He makes a prophecy that Rome will plunge into a time of war, and alludes to classical mythology as he predicts how Caesar's ghost will come back for revenge:
Unlock with LitCharts A+And Caesar’s spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice
Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war,
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men groaning for burial.
Related Themes:
Act 5, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Hybla Bees:
In Act 5, Scene 1, Cassius, Brutus, and Antony trade insults as their armies face each other in battle. Cassius makes an allusion to Hyblean honeybees as he mocks Antony for his bluster:
Unlock with LitCharts A+CASSIUS:
Antony,
The posture of your blows are yet unknown,
But, for your words, they rob the Hybla bees
And leave them honeyless.ANTONY:
Not stingless too.BRUTUS:
O yes, and soundless too,
For you have stolen their buzzing, Antony,
And very wisely threat before you sting.
Related Themes:
