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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
The Praise of Folly
Explanation and Analysis—The River Lethe:
Folly uses both a common idiom (“second childhood”) and an allusion to the Lethe, a river from Ancient Greek mythology, to comment upon the nature of old age. Taking credit for the happiness experienced both by children and by the elderly, Folly notes:
Old age would not be tolerable to any mortal at all, were it not that I [...] bring those who have one foot in the grave back to their infancy again, for as long as possible; so that the folk are not far off in speaking of them as “in their second childhood.” [...] I lead them to my spring of Lethe—for that stream rises in the Fortunate Isles, and only a little rivulet of it flows in the underworld—so that then and there they may drink draughts of forgetfulness. With their cares of mind purged away, by gentle stages they become young again.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Superstition :
After satirizing various human professions, Folly directs her satirical gaze upon the Catholic Church. Drawing pointed allusions to various Christian saints alongside figures from classical mythology, Folly states:
Unlock with LitCharts A+And next to these come the folk who have arrived at the foolish but gratifying belief that if they gaze on a picture of Polyphemus-Christopher they will not die that day, or that whoever salutes in certain prescribed words an image of Barbara will come through a battle unharmed, or that by making application to Erasmus on certain days, using a certain kind of candles and certain prayers, one will shortly become rich. Indeed, they have discovered another Hercules, and even another Hippolytus, in George.
Explanation and Analysis—A Man of My Own Name:
While advancing her argument that deception is essential to human happiness, Folly makes a cryptic reference to Thomas More, an English statesman and close friend of Erasmus, alongside several other allusions to painters from Ancient Greece and Rome. Presenting a number of hypothetical scenarios, Folly states:
Unlock with LitCharts A+If one was to behold a canvas [...] under the persuasion that it was a picture by Apelles or Zeuxis, would he not be happier than another who buys the work of such masters at a high price, but feels less of pleasure, perhaps, in viewing it? I know a man of my name who gave his young wife some imitation jewels as a present, persuading her—for he is a plausible joker—that they were not only genuine and natural but also of unique and inestimable value. Pray tell me, what difference did it make to the girl, so long as she joyously delighted her eyes and heart with glass [...] ?
Related Themes:
