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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
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Battle of the Poems:
When Amir describes the schoolroom games he played as a child, Hosseini uses allusions to classical Persian poets to show Amir’s early connection to his region’s deep artistic tradition in The Kite Runner:
IN SCHOOL, we used to play a game called Sherjangi, or “Battle of the Poems.” [...] it went something like this: You recited a verse from a poem and your opponent had sixty seconds to reply with a verse that began with the same letter that ended yours. Everyone in my class wanted me on their team, because by the time I was eleven, I could recite dozens of verses from Khayyám, Hãfez, or Rumi’s famous Masnawi. One time, I took on the whole class and won. I told Baba about it later that night, but he just nodded, muttered, “Good.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—John Wayne:
When Amir recalls seeing his first Western movie with Baba and Hassan in Kabul, the narrative makes an allusion to the film Rio Bravo and the actor John Wayne to introduce early ideas of masculinity and heroism:
Unlock with LitCharts A+We saw our first Western together, Rio Bravo with John Wayne, at the Cinema Park, across the street from my favorite bookstore. I remember begging Baba to take us to Iran so we could meet John Wayne.
Related Themes:
Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—Assef Khan:
As Amir describes his schoolmate Assef, he uses a simile and an allusion comparing the other boy to a Khan to highlight his dominance and sense of self-importance:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Born to a German mother and Afghan father, the blond, blue-eyed Assef towered over the other kids. His well-earned reputation for savagery preceded him on the streets. Flanked by his obeying friends, he walked the neighborhood like a Khan strolling through his land with his eager-to-please entourage.
Related Themes:
