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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
Section 1
Explanation and Analysis—Cymbeline:
An important allusion to Shakespeare's work comes when Clarissa is out buying flowers. Looking around at everyday life, she thinks about how everything will surely continue to go on without her when she eventually dies, but this doesn't necessarily bother her—in fact, she's in a fairly good mood, even as she thinks somewhat morbid thoughts. Then, however, she looks into the window of a bookshop and reads two lines from an open copy of Shakespeare's play Cymbeline:
Fear no more the heat o' the sun
Nor the furious winter's rages.
Related Themes:
Section 3
Explanation and Analysis—Othello:
When Clarissa Dalloway was younger, she fell in love with Sally Seton. Looking back as an adult, she remembers the intense feelings she experienced during this time, making an allusion to Shakespeare's play Othello:
Unlock with LitCharts A+But she could remember [...] feeling as she crossed the hall 'if it were now to die 'twere now to be most happy'. That was her feeling — Othello's feeling, and she felt it, she was convinced, as strongly as Shakespeare meant Othello to feel it, all because she was coming down to dinner in a white frock to meet Sally Seton!
Related Themes:
Section 7
Explanation and Analysis—Cymbeline:
An important allusion to Shakespeare's work comes when Clarissa is out buying flowers. Looking around at everyday life, she thinks about how everything will surely continue to go on without her when she eventually dies, but this doesn't necessarily bother her—in fact, she's in a fairly good mood, even as she thinks somewhat morbid thoughts. Then, however, she looks into the window of a bookshop and reads two lines from an open copy of Shakespeare's play Cymbeline:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Fear no more the heat o' the sun
Nor the furious winter's rages.
Related Themes:
Section 9
Explanation and Analysis—Othello:
When Clarissa Dalloway was younger, she fell in love with Sally Seton. Looking back as an adult, she remembers the intense feelings she experienced during this time, making an allusion to Shakespeare's play Othello:
Unlock with LitCharts A+But she could remember [...] feeling as she crossed the hall 'if it were now to die 'twere now to be most happy'. That was her feeling — Othello's feeling, and she felt it, she was convinced, as strongly as Shakespeare meant Othello to feel it, all because she was coming down to dinner in a white frock to meet Sally Seton!
Related Themes:
