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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
Part 2, Chapter 4: Two Kinds
Explanation and Analysis—Shirley Temple:
Suyuan and Jing-Mei’s search for “prodigy” talent takes them through barber shops, piano lessons, and an untold number of Reader’s Digest magazines. So when Suyuan stumbles across reruns of Shirley Temple on TV in Part 2, Chapter 4, the novel’s cultural allusion marks just the beginning of a years-long odyssey:
We didn't immediately pick the right kind of prodigy. At first my mother thought I could be a Chinese Shirley Temple. We'd watch Shirley's old movies on TV as though they were training films. My mother would poke my arm and say, ‘Ni kan’—You watch. And I would see Shirley tapping her feet, or singing a sailor song, or pursing her lips into a very round O while saying, ‘Oh my goodness.’
Related Themes:
Part 3, Chapter 2: Four Directions
Explanation and Analysis—Sun Yat-Sen:
Allusions help Waverly Jong reconnect with her Chinese heritage. Her confrontation with her mother leads unexpectedly to a reconciliation, as Lindo Jong eases her daughter’s self-doubts and offers comfort with an account of their ancestry:
Unlock with LitCharts A+‘We are a smart people, very strong, tricky, and famous for winning wars. You know Sun Yat-sen, hah?’
I nodded.
‘He is from the Sun clan. But his family moved to the south many centuries ago, so he is not exactly the same clan.’
Related Themes:
