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—Little Women:
As Laura interacts with her family and assists with preparations for the garden party, the story makes an allusion to Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women:
In the drawing-room, Meg, Jose and good little Hans had at last succeeded in moving the piano.
Meg and Josephine are the names of characters from Alcott’s Little Women—they’re a pair of sisters, like Meg and Jose are. Similarly to Katherine Mansfield, Louisa May Alcott wrote semi-autobiographical stories about young women coming of age, much like the protagonist Laura in “The Garden Party.” Both authors’ writing focuses on conflict between daughters and navigating family expectations.
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