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Alliteration
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 Raven
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Classical Mythology:
“The Raven” features a consistent strain of allusions to the world of classical—which is to say Greek and Roman—mythology. When the Raven flies into the narrator’s chamber, it perches upon the bust of “Pallas,” or Athena, the goddess of wisdom. While the presence of such a bust makes sense in the chamber of the narrator, who appears to be a scholar per his initial contemplation of the book of “forgotten lore,” the juxtaposition of the head of Pallas with the perched Raven also symbolizes a primary tension in the story as a whole: the ongoing battle between reason and reality (represented by Athena) and the supernatural stirring of the subconscious brought by the madness of grief (represented by the Raven).
Later in the poem, the narrator rambles to the Raven about his Lenore, and makes another allusion to the classical world:
Respite—respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore;
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—The Biblical World :
Throughout “The Raven,” the narrator uses biblical language and imagery, primarily to refer to Lenore. The first time the narrator’s lost love is introduced, he refers to her in terms of her relationship to angels:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore—
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore—
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Balm in Gilead:
“The Raven” contains many allusions, both to the landscape of classical mythology and to the Bible and its associated imagery, but only once does Poe allude directly to a biblical passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted—
On this home by Horror haunted—tell me truly, I implore—
Is there—is there balm in Gilead?—tell me—tell me, I implore!
Related Themes:
