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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
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Rama Rama Sita Rama:
Near the beginning of the story, the narrator and his mother receive a man at their house who has seemingly come to threaten the narrator’s father. The narrator’s reaction to the man’s presence includes an allusion to Hinduism, as seen in the following passage:
The man laughed and said, ‘I not doing anything. I just want to know when he coming home.’
I began to cry in terror.
The man laughed.
My mother said, ‘Shut up this minute or I give you something really to cry about.’
I went to another room and walked about saying, ‘Rama! Rama! Sita Rama!’ This was what my father had told me to say when I was in danger of any sort.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Tarzan:
Near the beginning of the story, after the narrator’s father is threatened and stalked by the laborers who work under him, the father brings a dog home for protection. The name of the dog is a literary allusion, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+My father brought home a dog one day. We called it Tarzan. He was more of a playful dog than a watch-dog, a big hairy brown dog, and I would ride on its back.
When evening came I said, ‘Tarzan coming in with us?’
He wasn’t. He remained whining outside the door, scratching it with his paws.
Related Themes:
