Previous
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 Revenger’s Tragedy
Act 1, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Judas and Lucifer:
Vindice and Lussurioso allude to biblical figures associated with evil, including Judas and Lucifer, in their discussion of the licentious sexual behavior in the Italian court:
Vindice. Any kin now next to the rim o’th’ sister
Is man’s meat in these days, and in the morning,
When they are up and dressed and their mask on,
Who can perceive this – save that eternal eye
That sees through flesh and all?
Well, if anything be damned,
It will be twelve o’clock at night: that twelve
Will never ’scape; It is the Judas of the hours, wherein
Honest salutation is betrayed to sin.Lussurioso. In troth it is too, but let this talk glide.
It is our blood to err, though hell gaped loud.
Ladies know lucifer fell, yet still are proud!
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Begot in Haste:
After a servant at court informs Spurio of his brother’s attempt to sexually solicit Castiza, Spurio alludes to the common early modern belief that the circumstances of an individual’s conception shape their later personality and destiny:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Spurio. Oh, but are you sure on’t?
Servant. My lord, most sure on’t, for ’twas spoke by one
That is most inward with the duke’s son’s lust:
That he intends within this hour to steal
Unto Hippolito’s sister, whose chaste life
The mother has corrupted for his use.Spurio. Sweet word, sweet occasion; ’faith then, brother:
I’ll disinherit you in as short time
As I was when I was begot in haste.
I’ll damn you at your pleasure; a precious deed
After your lust. Oh, ’twill be fine to bleed.
Come, let our passing out be soft and wary.
Related Themes:
Act 5, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—The Silver Age:
At the play’s conclusion, Vindice and Hippolotio, who orchestrated the slaughter that brought a violent end to the corrupt reign of the Duke, reflect upon the future of their nation. Vindice alludes to the Silver Age of Greek mythology as an expression of his feelings of optimism:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Antonio. It was a deadly hand that wounded him.
The rest, ambitious who should rule and sway,
After his death were so made all away.Vindice. My lord was unlikely.
Hippolito. Now, the hope
Of Italy lies in your reverend years.Vindice. Your hair will make the silver age again,
When there was fewer but more honest men.Antonio. The burden’s weighty and will press age down.
May I so rule that heaven may keep the crown.
