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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
Act 1, Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—A Pink Rose:
In order to express thoughts and feelings that could not be spoken aloud in polite society, many Victorians became adept at a form of clandestine communication called floriography, or the language of flowers. In floriography, different plants have specific meanings associated with them, and carefully arranged bouquets can be used to send elaborate messages.
Wilde alludes to the practice of floriography during Algernon's first encounter with Cecily in Act 2, Part 1:
Algernon: Might I have a button-hole first? I never have any appetite unless I have a button-hole first.
Cecily: A Maréchal Niel? [Picks up scissors]
Algernon: No, I'd sooner have a pink rose.
Cecily: Why? [Cuts a flower]
Algernon: Because you are like a pink rose, cousin Cecily.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—A Pink Rose:
In order to express thoughts and feelings that could not be spoken aloud in polite society, many Victorians became adept at a form of clandestine communication called floriography, or the language of flowers. In floriography, different plants have specific meanings associated with them, and carefully arranged bouquets can be used to send elaborate messages.
Wilde alludes to the practice of floriography during Algernon's first encounter with Cecily in Act 2, Part 1:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Algernon: Might I have a button-hole first? I never have any appetite unless I have a button-hole first.
Cecily: A Maréchal Niel? [Picks up scissors]
Algernon: No, I'd sooner have a pink rose.
Cecily: Why? [Cuts a flower]
Algernon: Because you are like a pink rose, cousin Cecily.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Egeria and her Pupil:
When Dr. Chasuble interrupts Cecily's lesson with Miss Prism, he makes a somewhat flirtatious allusion to a figure in Roman mythology:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Chasuble: But I must not disturb Egeria and her pupil any longer.
Miss Prism: Egeria? My name is Laetitia, Doctor.
Chasuble: [Bowing] A classical allusion merely, drawn from the Pagan authors.
Explanation and Analysis—Don Quixote:
During her first encounter with Algernon, whom she believes to be her guardian's wayward brother Ernest, Cecily makes an allusion to the Spanish epic novel Don Quixote:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Algernon: That is why I want you to reform me. You might make that your mission, if you don't mind, cousin Cecily.
Cecily: I'm afraid I've no time, this afternoon.
Algernon: Well, would you mind my reforming myself this afternoon?
Cecily: That is rather Quixotic of you. But I think you should try.
Related Themes:
