Previous
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
Part One, Chapter 1 – The Brahmin's Son
Explanation and Analysis—Hinduism:
Siddhartha alludes to two major Hindu texts, the Rigveda and the Upanishads. The Rigveda is an ancient collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns. Its title comes from a conjunction between the Sanskrit words for "praise" and "knowledge" and translates to "The Knowledge of Verses." It contains 1,028 poems dedicated to praising gods and natural forces. In Chapter 1 of Siddhartha, the titular character dreams of verses from the Rigveda:
Dreams came to him and fretful thoughts flowing from the water of the river, twinkling from the stars of the night, from the sun’s melting rays—dreams came to him and restlessness of his soul, smoked from the offerings, breathed from the verses of the Rig-Veda, dripped from the teachings of the old Brahmins.
Related Themes:
Part One, Chapter 2 – Among the Samanas
Explanation and Analysis—Hinduism:
Siddhartha alludes to two major Hindu texts, the Rigveda and the Upanishads. The Rigveda is an ancient collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns. Its title comes from a conjunction between the Sanskrit words for "praise" and "knowledge" and translates to "The Knowledge of Verses." It contains 1,028 poems dedicated to praising gods and natural forces. In Chapter 1 of Siddhartha, the titular character dreams of verses from the Rigveda:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Dreams came to him and fretful thoughts flowing from the water of the river, twinkling from the stars of the night, from the sun’s melting rays—dreams came to him and restlessness of his soul, smoked from the offerings, breathed from the verses of the Rig-Veda, dripped from the teachings of the old Brahmins.
Related Themes:
