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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
Key Examples in The Most Dangerous Game
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Madame Butterfly:
When General Zaroff comes upon the site of Rainsford’s escape (and presumed death) just off he edge of the island, the story makes an allusion as Zaroff hums an excerpt from the opera Madame Butterfly:
For some minutes he stood regarding the blue-green expanse of water. He shrugged his shoulders. Then he sat down, took a drink of brandy from a silver flask, lit a cigarette, and hummed a bit from Madame Butterfly.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Marcus Aurelius:
Once Rainsford has flung himself into the sea and Zaroff is back in his mansion, he keeps his mind off the unsuccessful hunt by reading. In this passage, the story makes an allusion to Marcus Aurelius:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Two slight annoyances kept him from perfect enjoyment. One was the thought that it would be difficult to replace Ivan; the other was that his quarry had escaped him; of course, the American hadn’t played the game—so thought the general as he tasted his after-dinner liqueur. In his library he read, to soothe himself, from the works of Marcus Aurelius.
