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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
Key Examples in Love's Labor's Lost
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Four Humors:
After spotting her in the field outside Navarre, Longaville develops feelings for Maria without knowing her name. He asks Boyet who she is, and the two men enter a needling battle of wits. Finally, seeing Longaville’s anger, Boyet reveals her identity (“She is an heir of Falconbridge”). Longaville replies with an allusion to the Four Humors, saying:
Nay, my choler is ended. She is a most sweet lady.
Act 4, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Nemean Lion :
Boyet reads Armado’s pretentious love letter out loud before the Princess and her ladies after Costard accidentally delivers it to Rosaline. The letter makes reference to the famous Nemean lion:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Thou dost thou hear the Nemean lion roar
'Gainst thee, thou lamb, that standest as his prey.
Submissive fall his princely feet before,
And he from forage will incline to play.
Related Themes:
Act 4, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Florio's Venice:
When Jacquenetta enters with her letter in Act 4, she asks Holofernes to read it to her. However, Holofernes ignores her and instead quotes an Italian poet (Baptista Spagnuli of Mantua). In reference to Spagnuli, Holofernes quotes an Italian idiom:
Unlock with LitCharts A+HOLOFERNES
[...] I may speak of
thee as the traveler doth of Venice:
Venetia, Venetia,
Chi non ti vede, non ti pretia.
Related Themes:
