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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
Key Examples in The Gilded Six Bits
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Lot’s Wife:
After Joe discovers Missie May cheating on him with Slemmons (who promised her gold in return for sex), Joe emotionally withdraws from his wife and finds subtle ways to express his resentment. One way he does this is by placing pieces of Slemmons’s gold (which he stole from the man during a brawl) in different places for her to see, and also gently reprimanding her. He does so in the following passage, alluding to a biblical story in the process:
[Joe’s] coffee cup was empty. [Missie May] sprang to refill it. When she turned from the stove and bent to set the cup beside Joe’s plate, she saw the yellow coin on the table between them.
She slumped into her seat and wept into her arms.
Presently Joe said calmly, “Missie May, you cry too much. Don’t look back lak Lot’s wife and turn to salt.”
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Ford and Rockefeller:
When, early in the story, Joe and Missie May are discussing Slemmons—the wealthy newcomer to town—Missie May alludes to Henry Ford and John Rockefeller, as seen in the following passage (which opens with Joe speaking):
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Wisht Ah had a build on me lak he got. He ain’t puzzle-gutted, honey. He jes’ got a corperation. Dat make ’m look lak a rich white man. All rich mens is got some belly on ’em.”
“Ah seen de pitchers of Henry Ford and he’s a spare-built man and Rockefeller look lak he ain’t got but one gut. But Ford and Rockefeller and dis Slemmons and all de rest kin be as many-gutted as dey please, Ah’m satisfied wid you jes’ lak you is, baby."
Related Themes:
