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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 Alchemist
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Antiquity :
Through the figure of Sir Epicure Mammon, Jonson satirizes what he considers to be the greed of those who live in London in the early 17th century. Jonson employs allusion and fallacy in his satirical portrait of the greedy Mammon in a scene in which Mammon attempts to convince his skeptical acquaintance, Surly, that alchemy is real:
Mam. Pertinax, [my] Surly,
Will you believe antiquity? records?
I'll shew you a book where Moses and his sister,
And Solomon have written of the art;
Ay, and a treatise penn'd by Adam—Sur. How!
Mam. Of the philosopher's stone, and in High Dutch.
Sur. Did Adam write, sir, in High Dutch?
Mam. He did;
Which proves it was the primitive tongue.Sur. What paper?
Mam. On cedar board.
Sur. O that, indeed, they say,
Will last 'gainst worms.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Solomon's Wives:
Sir Epicure Mammon is lost in fantasies as he imagines how he will use his endless riches once he possesses the Philosopher’s Stone, which he believes will allow him to convert cheap metals into gold. Mammon alludes to various figures from the Bible and mythology when describing his own exaggerated sexual appetites:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Mam. For I do mean
To have a list of wives and concubines,
Equal with Solomon, who had the stone
Alike with me; and I will make me a back
With the elixir, that shall be as tough
As Hercules, to encounter fifty a night.—
Thou'rt sure thou saw'st it blood?Fac. Both blood and spirit, sir.
Mam. I will have all my beds blown up, not stuft;
Down is too hard: and then, mine oval room
Fill'd with such pictures as Tiberius took
From Elephantis, and dull Aretine
But coldly imitated.
Related Themes:
Act 4, Scene 7
Explanation and Analysis—Hieronimo:
Jonson alludes to The Spanish Tragedy—a play written by Thomas Kyd at some point between 1582 and 1592—in a scene in which Face offers to disguise Drugger as a Spanish nobleman so that he might court Dame Pliant:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Fac. Drugger, this rogue prevented us for thee:
We had determin'd that thou should'st have come
In a Spanish suit, and have carried her so; and he,
A brokerly slave! goes, puts it on himself.
Hast brought the damask?Dru. Yes, sir.
Fac. Thou must borrow
A Spanish suit. Hast thou no credit with the players?Dru. Yes, sir; did you never see me play the Fool?
Fac. I know not, Nab:—Thou shalt, if I can help it.—
[ASIDE.]
Hieronimo's old cloak, ruff, and hat will serve;
I'll tell thee more when thou bring'st 'em.
Related Themes:
