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Allegory
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 1: Arrival on Himmel Street
Explanation and Analysis—Last Resort:
In Part 1: Arrival on Himmel Street, Liesel travels to her new home in a car with Frau Heinrich (the woman who has arranged for her adoption) and a nameless man. As Death describes this man's role in the adoption, he makes an allusion to the Nazi policy of genocide:
A man was also in the car. He remained with the girl while Frau Heinrich disappeared inside. He never spoke. Liesel assumed he was there to make sure she wouldn’t run away or to force her inside if she gave them any trouble. Later, however, when the trouble did start, he simply sat there and watched. Perhaps he was only the last resort, the final solution.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Grave Diggers:
In Part 1: Arrival on Himmel Street, Death describes Werner's burial. His commentary contains an allusion that leads into an important metaphor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Witnesses included a priest and two shivering grave diggers.
AN OBSERVATION
A pair of train guards.
A pair of grave diggers.
When it came down to it, one of them called the shots.
The other did what he was told.
The question is, what if the other is a lot more than one?
Related Themes:
