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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 Odyssey
Book 1
Explanation and Analysis—Orestes:
The poem alludes extensively to other mythological stories not directly depicted in The Odyssey, including the actions of Orestes, son of King Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Athena refers to Orestes when attempting to encourage Telemachus to behave like an adult and assist his long-absent father, Odysseus:
You must not cling to your boyhood any longer —
it’s time you were a man. Haven’t you heard
what glory Prince Orestes won throughout the world
when he killed that cunning, murderous Aegisthus,
who’d killed his famous father?
And you, my friend —
how tall and handsome I see you now—be brave, you too,
so men to come will sing your praises down the years [...]
It all rests with you.
Take my words to heart.
Related Themes:
Book 11
Explanation and Analysis—The Underworld:
After Odysseus speaks to the shades of Tiresias and his own mother, Anticleia, he sees a crowd composed of notable figures from Greek mythology and history, all of whom have found themselves in the underworld. Narrating his journey to Hades, Odysseus notes that:
Unlock with LitCharts A+And I saw Alcmena next, Amphitryon’s wife,
who slept in the clasp of Zeus and merged in love
and brought forth Heracles, rugged will and lion heart.
And I saw Megara too, magnanimous Creon’s daughter
wed to the stalwart Heracles, the hero never daunted.
And I saw the mother of Oedipus, beautiful Epicaste.
What a monstrous thing she did, in all innocence —
she married her own son . . .
who’d killed his father, then he married her! [...]
And I saw magnificent Chloris, the one whom Neleus
wooed and won with a hoard of splendid gifts.
Related Themes:
