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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
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Well-Dressed Luncheon :
García Márquez relies on allusion and satire to connect the characters’ refined social rituals to the broader history of political violence in Colombia. The exchange occurs during a luncheon that brings together leaders from opposing factions of the civil war, a gathering the archbishop hails as “historic.” Dr. Urbino, however, undercuts this solemn framing with a sardonic observation that mocks the superficiality of partisan divides. García Márquez writes:
The archbishop commented to Dr. Urbino that in a sense this was a historic luncheon: there, together for the first time at the same table, their wounds healed and their anger dissipated, sat the two opposing sides in the civil war that had bloodied the country ever since Independence.
[...]
Dr. Urbino did not agree: in his opinion a Liberal president was exactly the same as a Conservative president, but not as well dressed.
Related Themes:
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Proust’s Lesson:
To connect Dr. Urbino’s medical career to broader reflections on love, mortality, and obsession, García Márquez employs allusion and situational irony. The moment arises as Urbino recalls his training, when he studied under Adrien Proust, a real epidemiologist famed for developing quarantine systems during cholera outbreaks—and, notably, the father of the novelist Marcel Proust. As Urbino remembers his training, the narrative reads:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He studied with the most outstanding epidemiologist of his time and the creator of the cordons sanitaires, Professor Adrien Proust, father of the great novelist.
Related Themes:
