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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
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Answer or Redress:
In the epigraph of “Life in the Iron Mills,” the author employs an allusion to Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "In Memoriam A.H.H." to set expectations for the rest of the tale:
Is this the end?
Life, as futile, then, as frail!
What hope of answer or redress?
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—De Profundis Clamavi:
Mitchell uses allusion and cruel verbal irony to comment on Hugh’s response to Dr. May declining to help him:
Unlock with LitCharts A+'Are you answered? Why, May, look at him! 'De profundis clamavi.' Or, to quote in English, 'Hungry and thirsty, his soul faints in him.'
Related Themes:
