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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 Sense and Sensibility
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—William Cowper:
Like with Shakespeare, Austen includes allusions to the writer William Cowper in order to give readers hints about which characters might be good romantic matches. William Cowper was an English poet who wrote lyrically about the English countryside during the late 18th century. The first time his name comes up is when Mrs. Dashwood gently chastises Marianne for forcing Edward to read Cowper aloud to them, and Marianne makes it clear that any future partner of hers would relish such an experience:
“He would certainly have done more justice to simple and elegant prose. I thought so at the time; but you would give him Cowper.”
“Nay, mama, if he is not to be animated by Cowper!—but we must allow for difference of taste. Elinor has not my feelings, and therefore she may overlook it, and be happy with him. But it would have broke my heart had I loved him, to hear him read with so little sensibility.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—William Cowper:
Like with Shakespeare, Austen includes allusions to the writer William Cowper in order to give readers hints about which characters might be good romantic matches. William Cowper was an English poet who wrote lyrically about the English countryside during the late 18th century. The first time his name comes up is when Mrs. Dashwood gently chastises Marianne for forcing Edward to read Cowper aloud to them, and Marianne makes it clear that any future partner of hers would relish such an experience:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“He would certainly have done more justice to simple and elegant prose. I thought so at the time; but you would give him Cowper.”
“Nay, mama, if he is not to be animated by Cowper!—but we must allow for difference of taste. Elinor has not my feelings, and therefore she may overlook it, and be happy with him. But it would have broke my heart had I loved him, to hear him read with so little sensibility.”
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—East Indies:
While discussing Colonel Brandon’s time in Asia (then called the “East Indies”) with Elinor and Marianne, Willoughby mentions “nabobs, gold mohrs, and palanquins,” all allusions to words in other languages related to the British Empire:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“That is to say,” cried Marianne contemptuously, “he has told you that in the East Indies the climate is hot, and the mosquitoes are troublesome.”
“He would have told me so, I doubt not, had I made any such enquiries, but they happened to be points on which I had been previously informed.”
“Perhaps,” said Willoughby, “his observations may have extended to the existence of nabobs, gold mohrs, and palanquins.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Shakespeare:
Austen includes a few allusions to the works of William Shakespeare throughout the novel, most of which occur during the time of Marianne and Willoughby’s courtship, in order to communicate their shared love of romantic literature. The first reference comes when Willoughby buys Marianne a horse and names it “Queen Mab”:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“But, Marianne, the horse is still yours, though you cannot use it now. I shall keep it only till you can claim it. When you leave Barton to form your own establishment in a more lasting home, Queen Mab shall receive you.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 16
Explanation and Analysis—Shakespeare:
Austen includes a few allusions to the works of William Shakespeare throughout the novel, most of which occur during the time of Marianne and Willoughby’s courtship, in order to communicate their shared love of romantic literature. The first reference comes when Willoughby buys Marianne a horse and names it “Queen Mab”:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“But, Marianne, the horse is still yours, though you cannot use it now. I shall keep it only till you can claim it. When you leave Barton to form your own establishment in a more lasting home, Queen Mab shall receive you.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 33
Explanation and Analysis—Land Enclosure:
While discussing his financial hardship with his half-sisters Elinor and Marianne, John Dashwood alludes to an “inclosure”:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Your expences both in town and country must certainly be considerable, but your income is a large one.”
“Not so large, I dare say, as many people suppose. I do not mean to complain, however; it is undoubtedly a comfortable one, and I hope will in time be better. The inclosure of Norland Common, now carrying on, is a most serious drain.”
Related Themes:
