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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
Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—The Homemaker's Companion:
To make some extra money for the family, Amanda begins conducting telephone campaigns to get subscribers “The Homemaker’s Companion” magazine. In the following passage from Scene 3, Williams utilizes imagery and a simile to draw a comparison between Amanda and the women she calls to solicit:
She conducted a vigorous campaign on the telephone, roping in subscribers to one of those magazines for matrons called The Homemaker’s Companion, the type of journal that features the serialized sublimations of ladies of letters who think in terms of delicate cuplike breasts, slim, tapering waists, rich, creamy thighs, eyes like wood smoke in autumn, fingers that soothe and caress like strains of music, bodies as powerful as Etruscan sculpture.
Related Themes:
Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—Waiting for Bombardments:
At the opening of Scene 5, Tom’s narration for the audience provides relevant worldly context via allusion to well-known world events. These worldly, foreign events stand in contrast to the Paradise Dance Hall that Tom gazes upon as he narrates. This comparison between what Tom witnesses directly within his community to major world events connects to the play’s theme of illusion or escape from the “real” dangers of the world:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Adventure and change were imminent in this year. They were waiting around the corner for all these kids. Suspended in the mist over Berchtesgaden, caught in the folds of Chamberlain’s umbrella. In Spain there was Guernica! But here there was only hot swing music and liquor, dance halls, bars, and movies, and sex that hung in the gloom like a chandelier and flooded the world with brief, deceptive rainbows. . . . All the world was waiting for bombardments!
Related Themes:
Scene 6
Explanation and Analysis—Tom's Nicknames:
In order to support his family, Tom works at a warehouse. He finds the work unfulfilling, as his true passions lie in writing and reading. Jim O’Connor, who Tom eventually invites home for dinner, notices Tom’s unusual habits at work and begins addressing him by the nickname “Shakespeare,” as described in Scene 6:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He knew of my secret practice of retiring to a cabinet of the washroom to work on poems when business was slack in the warehouse. He called me Shakespeare.
Related Themes:
Scene 7
Explanation and Analysis—Tom's Nicknames:
In order to support his family, Tom works at a warehouse. He finds the work unfulfilling, as his true passions lie in writing and reading. Jim O’Connor, who Tom eventually invites home for dinner, notices Tom’s unusual habits at work and begins addressing him by the nickname “Shakespeare,” as described in Scene 6:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He knew of my secret practice of retiring to a cabinet of the washroom to work on poems when business was slack in the warehouse. He called me Shakespeare.
Related Themes:
