The Minister’s Black Veil

by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Minister’s Black Veil: Allusions 1 key example

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
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Through a Glass, Darkly:

Reverend Hooper’s black veil could be read as an allusion to the following verse from the Bible: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know even as I am also known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).