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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 Pale Horse, Pale Rider
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—In Flanders Fields:
Porter draws attention to the numbing effect of patriotic propaganda through a blend of literary allusion and satirical mimicry. During a public performance laden with wartime clichés, Adam and Miranda exchange a knowing aside as the speaker crescendos:
‘In Flanders Field the poppies grow, Between the crosses row on row’—‘He’s getting into the home stretch,’ whispered Adam—atrocities, innocent babes hoisted on Boche bayonets—your child and my child—if our children are spared these things, then let us say with all reverence that these dead have not died in vain—the war, the war, the WAR to end WAR, war for Democracy, for humanity, a safe world forever and ever—and to prove our faith in Democracy to each other, and to the world, let everybody get together and buy Liberty Bonds.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Long Trail A-Winding:
During a patriotic interlude at a wartime play, Porter describes the audience’s reaction, making an allusion:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The audience rose and sang, ‘There’s a Long, Long Trail A-winding,’ their opened mouths black and faces pallid in the reflected footlights; some of the faces grimaced and wept and had shining streaks like snail’s tracks on them.
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Explanation and Analysis—Sacrificial Lamb:
Porter uses metaphor and biblical allusion in Pale Horse, Pale Rider to heighten the emotional and symbolic weight of Adam’s character. In one passage, as Miranda walks beside him, she reflects:
Unlock with LitCharts A+No, there was no resentment or revolt in him. Pure, she thought, all the way through, flawless, complete, as the sacrificial lamb must be. The sacrificial lamb strode along casually, accommodating his long pace to hers, keeping her on the inside of the walk in the good American style, helping her across street corners as if she were a cripple—‘I hope we don’t come to a mud puddle, he’ll carry me over it’—giving off whiffs of tobacco smoke, a manly smell of scentless soap, freshly cleaned leather and freshly washed skin.
Related Themes:
