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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 Parable of the Sower
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Lauren's Evidence:
Even while writing in her journal, Lauren employs persuasive writing via ethos. To bolster her credibility as the writer of scriptures for a new religion, she employs allusions to the Bible and other religions in order to showcase her expertise. In the following passage from Chapter 2, for example, Lauren cites the Book of Job and Zeus from Greek mythology:
My favorite book of the Bible is Job. I think it says more about my father's God in particular and gods in general than anything else I've ever read [...] God sounds a lot like Zeus [...] Maybe God is a kind of big kid.
Related Themes:
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Lauren's Evidence:
Even while writing in her journal, Lauren employs persuasive writing via ethos. To bolster her credibility as the writer of scriptures for a new religion, she employs allusions to the Bible and other religions in order to showcase her expertise. In the following passage from Chapter 2, for example, Lauren cites the Book of Job and Zeus from Greek mythology:
Unlock with LitCharts A+My favorite book of the Bible is Job. I think it says more about my father's God in particular and gods in general than anything else I've ever read [...] God sounds a lot like Zeus [...] Maybe God is a kind of big kid.
Related Themes:
Chapter 15
Explanation and Analysis—Thou Shalt Not Steal:
While on her journey north, Lauren finds herself in conflict with religious doctrine—specifically the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament—that her father raised her to obey. In the following passage from Chapter 15, for example, Henry directly challenges Lauren on the topic of stealing by alluding to the Ten Commandments:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Her stealing doesn't bother you?" he asked.
"I mean to survive," I said.
"'Thou shalt not steal,'" he quoted. "Years and years—a lifetime of 'Thou shalt not steal.'"
Related Themes:
Chapter 16
Explanation and Analysis—Thou Shalt Not Steal:
While on her journey north, Lauren finds herself in conflict with religious doctrine—specifically the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament—that her father raised her to obey. In the following passage from Chapter 15, for example, Henry directly challenges Lauren on the topic of stealing by alluding to the Ten Commandments:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Her stealing doesn't bother you?" he asked.
"I mean to survive," I said.
"'Thou shalt not steal,'" he quoted. "Years and years—a lifetime of 'Thou shalt not steal.'"
Related Themes:
Chapter 25
Explanation and Analysis—The Parable of the Sower:
The title of the novel, The Parable of the Sower, is an allusion to a parable from the Bible of the same name. In the Bible's Parable of the Sower, Jesus tells the story of a sower who plants seeds without discretion. Some seeds land in places without soil, while others take root in rocky soil or good soil. The seeds that land on good soil end up growing and thriving while the others fail to grow or simply fall away.
The biblical parable is summarized at the end of Chapter 25 of The Parable of the Sower:
Unlock with LitCharts A+A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And others fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bore fruit an hundredfold.
Related Themes:
