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Alliteration
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 Duchess of Malfi
Act 1, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Genesis:
In Act 1, Scene 1, Ferdinand alludes to a biblical story from the book of Genesis. He and his brother, the Cardinal, are motivated by their attempts to prevent their sister from remarrying. In this scene, Ferdinand is speaking to the Duchess, and his allusion helps him express his disapproval of those who get married twice. This biblical allusion is significant because it helps characterize the source of Ferdinand’s power. His desire to control his sister’s life and freedom must be understood within the context of his position of power within the Roman Catholic church. Therefore, the justification for his actions and opinions comes from the Bible itself. Ferdinand says (of those who remarry):
Their livers are more spotted than Laban’s sheep.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Saint Winifred:
In Act 1, Scene 1, the Duchess alludes to a famous Welsh saint, Winifred, in a conversation with Antonio. The Duchess and Antonio are unable to speak to each other plainly. Although they clearly want to express themselves, they instead use wordplay to slowly approach the true topic of conversation. The Duchess’s allusion to Saint Winifred is a good example of this. During their veiled conversation about marriage, the Duchess says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Saint Winifred, that were a strange will!
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Tantalus:
In Act 1, Scene 1, Bosola makes an allusion to the mythical figure of Tantalus in order to describe his desire for upward mobility. Bosola has recently been released from prison, and while he doesn’t agree with the pernicious and corrupt behavior of the Cardinal and his brother, he understands that proximity to their power would benefit his social position. Earlier in his speech, he condemns their morality, but his allusion helps the audience understand how desperate he feels. Because Bosola’s desire for upward mobility compels him to spy for the Cardinal and his brother, this speech is important because it allows the audience to contextualize his behavior. Bosola says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+What creature ever fed worse than hoping Tantalus? Nor ever died any man more fearfully than he that hoped for a pardon.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Hercules:
In Act 1, Scene 1, Antonio alludes to the trials of Hercules during a conversation with his companion Delio. Antonio is trying to describe the extent of the Cardinal’s malicious behavior and therefore characterize him as one of the play’s primary villains. His description of the Cardinal’s control over the court and society beyond is aided by his allusion to the legendary Greek hero Hercules. He describes the Cardinal by asserting that:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Where he is jealous of any man, he lays worse plots for them than ever was imposed on Hercules, for he strews in his way flatterers, panders, intelligencers, atheists, and a thousand such political monsters.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Horsemanship:
In Act 1, Scene 1, during a conversation about horsemanship that takes place between Ferdinand and Antonio, the latter makes an allusion to the story of Troy. Antonio has been introduced as the court’s finest jouster and is now being questioned by Ferdinand. Their interaction is significant because of the conflict that will emerge between these two characters. Antonio’s marriage to Ferdinand’s sister will ultimately bring about much of the play’s violence. Therefore, their conversation here is significant beyond its subject matter. Antonio responds to a compliment of his horsemanship with the following simile:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Nobly, my lord. As out of the Grecian horse issued many famous princes, so out of brave horsemanship arise the first sparks of growing resolution that raise the mind to noble action.
Act 2, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Galileo:
In Act 2, Scene 4, the Cardinal makes an allusion to the historical figure Galileo. He has met with Julia, his lover, who is cheating on her husband to be with him. Initially, he asks her what lie she told her husband in order to meet with him secretly. His perception of her character comes up in the conversation, and he holds forth on the subject of constancy. Her morally reprehensible behavior, in his eyes, is characteristic of women. His search for a woman who would be reliable is marked by this pessimism; or so he explains, alluding to Galileo’s recently invented telescope. The Cardinal says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+We had need go borrow that fantastic glass
Invented by Galileo the Florentine,
To view another spacious world i’th’moon
And look to find a constant woman there.
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—Charon:
In Act 3, Scene 5, during a conversation with Bosola, the Duchess makes an allusion to Charon, the boatman figure from Greek mythology. The Duchess is in low spirits, and Bosola is one of her only companions and confidants. At this point in the play, the destruction of her life and family has begun to cloud her sense of optimism. Her allusion to the figure of Charon is representative of this shift in her perspective and also connects to her relationship with Bosola. The Duchess says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I have heard
That Charon’s boat serves to convey all o’er
The dismal lake, but brings none back again.
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