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Allegory
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 12
Explanation and Analysis—Classical Allusions:
Hardy often uses allusions to classical stories to place various situations within a wider literary context and provide further historical background for his books. In Chapter 12, the author describes the difference between Henchard's haphazard method of keeping his books of accounts and Donald Farfrae's more exacting and modern techniques:
The corn-factor’s mien was half admiring, and yet it was not without a dash of pity for the tastes of any one who could care to give his mind to such finnikin details. Henchard himself was mentally and physically unfit for grubbing subtleties from soiled paper; he had in a modern sense received the education of Achilles, and found penmanship a tantalizing art.
Related Themes:
Chapter 25
Explanation and Analysis—Lucetta and the Moon:
Hardy uses simile to liken Lucetta to the moon when Henchard begins seriously courting her, as he realizes the emotional power she holds over him in Chapter 25. Previously, Lucetta's influence over him wasn't particularly strong, but when he turns his "sun"-like warmth and attention to her, he realizes that she is actually not an object of pity but "the very being to make him satisfied with life":
Unlock with LitCharts A+He crossed the room to her with a heavy tread of some awkwardness, his strong, warm gaze upon her—like the sun beside the moon in comparison with Farfrae’s modest look—and with something of a hail-fellow bearing, as, indeed, was not unnatural. But she seemed so transubstantiated by her change of position, and held out her hand to him in such cool friendship, that he became deferential, and sat down with a perceptible loss of power.
Related Themes:
Chapter 30
Explanation and Analysis—Biblical References:
In Chapter 30, Hardy makes several biblical allusions that emphasize the drama and importance of the situations in which his characters find themselves. For example, Mr. Henchard compares himself to Cain when insisting that he deserves to be punished for his actions in early life:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“If I had only got her with me—if I only had!” he said. “Hard work would be nothing to me then! But that was not to be. I—Cain—go alone as I deserve—an outcast and a vagabond. But my punishment is not greater than I can bear!”
Related Themes:
Chapter 43
Explanation and Analysis—Biblical References:
In Chapter 30, Hardy makes several biblical allusions that emphasize the drama and importance of the situations in which his characters find themselves. For example, Mr. Henchard compares himself to Cain when insisting that he deserves to be punished for his actions in early life:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“If I had only got her with me—if I only had!” he said. “Hard work would be nothing to me then! But that was not to be. I—Cain—go alone as I deserve—an outcast and a vagabond. But my punishment is not greater than I can bear!”
Related Themes:
