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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 The Aeneid
Book 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Homeric Mold:
In addition to being modeled off of The Iliad and The Odyssey in terms of structure and meter, The Aeneid also contains a number of allusions to both of Homer's epic poems. These allusions give the impression that Virgil sought to connect the history of Rome with that of Greece. While he alludes to both of Homer's epics throughout his poem, the first six books are more reminiscent of The Odyssey and the last six books are more reminiscent of The Iliad.
Related Themes:
Book 6
Explanation and Analysis—Katabasis:
When Aeneas prepares to descend into the Underworld in Book 6, he refers to a number of Greek figures who have made katabases—journeys to the Underworld—before him. By alluding to these characters, Virgil places Aeneas in league with some of the greatest Greek heroes and thereby underlines the mythological and historical connections between Greece and Rome.
When Aeneas asks the Sibyl of Cumae to teach him how to pass through "the gates of Death's king," he goes on to name some of the most famous heroes whose stories involve a descent into the Underworld.
Unlock with LitCharts A+[...] If Orpheus
could summon up the ghost of his wife, trusting so
to his Thracian lyre and echoing strings; if Pollux
could ransom his brother and share his death by turns,
time and again traversing the same road up and down;
if Theseus, mighty Hercules—must I mention them?
I too can trace my birth from Jove up on high.
Related Themes:
