The Birthmark
by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Birthmark: Allusions 1 key example

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 Birthmark

Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Pygmalion:

When Aylmer announces to Georgiana that he plans to remove her birthmark, he concludes his lengthy speech with an allusion to the character Pygmalion:

...what will be my triumph when I shall have corrected what Nature left imperfect in her fairest work! Even Pygmalion, when his sculptured woman assumed life, felt not greater ecstasy than mine will be.