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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 Silas Marner
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Biblical Allusions:
The author makes regular Biblical references and allusions in Silas Marner. For example, in Chapter 10 when the inhabitants of Raveloe go to a Christmas service, the decorations and music are described in the following way:
Those green boughs, the hymn and anthem never heard but at Christmas—even the Athanasian Creed, which was discriminated from the others only as being longer and of exceptional virtue, since it was only read on rare occasions—brought a vague exulting sense [...] that something great and mysterious had been done for them in heaven above and in earth below, which they were appropriating by their presence.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Christmas Carols:
In Chapter 10 of Silas Marner Dolly alludes to the British Christian tradition of carol-singing, remarking to Silas that nothing stirs her blood like Christmas music:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There’s no other music equil to the Christmas music—“Hark the erol angils sing.” And you may judge what it is at church, Master Marner, with the bassoon and the voices, as you can’t help thinking you’ve got to a better place a’ready—for I wouldn’t speak ill o’ this world, seeing as Them put us in it as knows best—but what wi’ the drink, and the quarrelling, and the bad illnesses, and the hard dying, as I’ve seen times and times, one’s thankful to hear of a better. [...]
Related Themes:
Chapter 14
Explanation and Analysis—Biblical Allusions:
The author makes regular Biblical references and allusions in Silas Marner. For example, in Chapter 10 when the inhabitants of Raveloe go to a Christmas service, the decorations and music are described in the following way:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Those green boughs, the hymn and anthem never heard but at Christmas—even the Athanasian Creed, which was discriminated from the others only as being longer and of exceptional virtue, since it was only read on rare occasions—brought a vague exulting sense [...] that something great and mysterious had been done for them in heaven above and in earth below, which they were appropriating by their presence.
Related Themes:
