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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 She Stoops to Conquer
Prologue
Explanation and Analysis—The Muses:
In the prologue, Goldsmith makes an allusion to the Comic Muse—the ancient Greek goddess of the comedic arts—in a metaphor that highlights his rejection of the sentimental comedy for the comedy of manners genre. In the prologue, Mr Woodward, a celebrated actor, enters the stage dressed in black and crying. He explains the cause of his grief: ""I’m crying now—and have been all the week. / '’Tis not alone this mourning suit,' good masters: / 'I’ve that within'—for which there are no plasters! / Pray, would you know the reason why I’m crying? / The Comic Muse, long sick, is now a-dying! / And if she goes, my tears will never stop; / For as a player, I can’t squeeze out one drop[.]"
Act 1
Explanation and Analysis—Darby and Joan :
Right at the beginning of the play, Goldsmith makes an allusion to the poem “The Joys of Love never forgot” through Mrs Hardcastle’s reference to Darby and Joan, in a comment that sets up the play’s realism and rejection of sentimentality.
Unlock with LitCharts A+HARDCASTLE. And I love it. I love everything that’s old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine; and I believe, Dorothy (taking her hand), you’ll own I have been pretty fond of an old wife.
MRS. HARDCASTLE. Lord, Mr. Hardcastle, you’re for ever at your Dorothys and your old wifes. You may be a Darby, but I’ll be no Joan, I promise you.
Related Themes:
Act 2
Explanation and Analysis—Naval Song:
After Hastings tells Tony he is in love with Constance in Act 2 and asks him to help him in his plans to elope with her, Tony runs off the stage singing in triumph, with an allusion to a traditional navy song:
Unlock with LitCharts A+TONY. Come along then, and you shall see more of my spirit before you have done with me. [Singing.
We are the boys
That fears no noise
Where the thundering cannons roar.
Related Themes:
Epilogue 1
Explanation and Analysis—Life as a Play :
The idea that life is a play is hinted at throughout the play, but is most strongly invoked in a metaphor in the first epilogue. After the main events of the play have concluded, Kate emerges on the stage alone to deliver an epilogue in which she recounts her character’s journey through the five acts and the different parts she plays.
Unlock with LitCharts A+WELL, having stooped to conquer with success,
And gained a husband without aid from dress,
Still as a Barmaid, I could wish it too,
As I have conquered him to conquer you:
And let me say, for all your resolution,
That pretty Barmaids have done execution.
Our life is all a play, composed to please,
“We have our exits and our entrances.”
Related Themes:
