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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
Key Examples in Ransom
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—The World of the "Iliad":
Allusions are central to Ransom, as the entire novel alludes to the events in Books 22-24 of the Ancient Greek epic The Iliad. Numerous scenes and characters—such as Achilles, Patroclus, Hector, Priam, Hecuba—appear in The Iliad as well, with the general nature of their interactions originating in the epic. In fact, Ransom begins in medias res ("in the middle of things") at the outset of Achilles's need for revenge against Hector. The tradition of a story beginning in medias res is characteristic of classical epics; as such, the beginning of Ransom itself alludes to the narrative structure of The Iliad.
