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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
Act 2
Explanation and Analysis—Get Thee to a Nunnery:
The Cherry Orchard contains two allusions to Shakespeare plays, through which Chekhov draws on his dramatic legacy. One of them can be found in the second act; the other can be found in the third.
Throughout the play, Madame Ranevsky halfheartedly attempts to get Lopakhin to propose to her adopted daughter Barbara. One such moment takes place in the second act when Madame Ranevsky, after borrowing more money from Lopakhin, tells Barbara that their marriage has been settled. The tactlessness of bringing up their union while her family's debt to him is on the table makes both Barbara and Lopakhin feel awkward. Seemingly unaware of what to say, Lopakhin makes an allusion to Hamlet.
Amelia, get thee to a nunnery, go!
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Act 3
Explanation and Analysis—Man of Gigantic Intellect:
In the third act, Pishtchik uses the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche to justify the practice of forgery. This allusion has a comedic effect, as it reinforces the audience's impression that all Pishtchik thinks about is money—and ways of acquiring it that allow him to avoid working.
Unlock with LitCharts A+PISHTCHIK. Nietzsche, the philosopher, a very remarkable man, very famous, a man of gigantic intellect, says in his works that it’s quite right to forge banknotes.
TROPHIMOF. What, have you read Nietzsche?
PISHTCHIK. Well ... Dáshenka told me....
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Explanation and Analysis—Pishtchik the Horse:
Early in the third act, in a conversation with Trophimof, Pishtchik uses a simile to liken himself to a horse. Building on the comparison, he alludes to a famous horse in Ancient Roman history.
Unlock with LitCharts A+I’m as strong as a horse. My old father, who was fond of his joke, rest his soul, used to say, talking of our pedigree, that the ancient stock of the Simeónof-Píshtchiks was descended from that very horse that Caligula made a senator....
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