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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 1, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Fates:
The Duke sympathizes with Aegeon’s sad tale and regrets the punishment he feels he must nonetheless exercise upon him in accordance with Ephesian law, which it is his duty as leader of the city to uphold. Reflecting this tension, the Duke seems to distance himself from his own responsibility by alluding to the fates, the three goddess sisters who represent destiny and, in particular, the unpredictability of life:
Hapless [Aegeon], whom the fates have marked
To bear the extremity of dire mishap
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Horn Mad:
Shakespeare alludes to a stock character of Renaissance literature and theater, the “cuckold,” when Dromio describes his master Antipholus as “horn mad”:
Unlock with LitCharts A+DROMIO OF EPHESUS
Why, mistress, sure my master is horn mad.
ADRIANA
Horn mad, thou villain?
DROMIO OF EPHESUS
I mean not cuckold mad, But sure he is stark mad
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—The Cross:
Despite the Ancient Greek setting of the play, Dromio of Ephesus makes an anachronistic biblical allusion to the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, a deeply important symbol for most Christians:
Unlock with LitCharts A+ADRIANA
Back, slave, or I will break thy pate across.
DROMIO OF EPHESUS
And he will bless that cross with other beating.
Between you, I shall have a holy head.
Act 3, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Luce as a Globe:
Dromio and Antipholus of Syracuse allude to contemporary historical events of Shakespeare’s time in a scene in which they make a number of unflattering jokes at the expense of the kitchen maid, Luce. In doing so, they likewise satirize other European nations, such as France and Spain. Dromio compares Luce's round body to the globe itself, and Antipholus jokingly asks where various parts of the world are located on her.
Unlock with LitCharts A+ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Where France?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
In her forehead, armed and
reverted, making war against her heir.ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE
Where America, the Indies?DROMIO OF SYRACUSE
O, sir, upon her nose, all o’erembellished
with rubies, carbuncles, sapphires,
declining their rich aspect to the hot breath of
Spain, who sent whole armadas of carracks to be
ballast at her nose.
Act 5, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Circe:
The Duke alludes to the classical figure of Circe, a sorceress who could transform men into animals using various magical potions:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Why, what an intricate impeach is this!
I think you all have drunk of Circe’s cup.
Related Themes:
