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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
Act 1, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Lovely Ladies:
While praising Maria at a gathering hosted by Lady Sneerwell in Act 1, Scene 1, Mr. Crabtree alludes to two famous women who have been immortalized in poetry for their loveliness:
Fore heaven, ma’am, they’ll immortalise you!—you will be handed down to posterity, like Petrarch’s Laura, or Waller’s Sacharissa.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Witty Posturing:
Throughout The School for Scandal, Sheridan makes several allusions to figures and places related to Greco-Roman culture and mythology. Specifically, the play mentions both Phoebus and Apollo (who are actually one and the same), as well as the Pantheon. Making these allusions allows the characters to flaunt how cultured they are in a witty and off-the-cuff manner that, in reality, is meant to affirm and cement their class status, as is the case when Joseph Surface mentions Phoebus in Act 2, Scene 2:
Unlock with LitCharts A+A very Phoebus, mounted-indeed, Sir Benjamin.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Witty Posturing:
Throughout The School for Scandal, Sheridan makes several allusions to figures and places related to Greco-Roman culture and mythology. Specifically, the play mentions both Phoebus and Apollo (who are actually one and the same), as well as the Pantheon. Making these allusions allows the characters to flaunt how cultured they are in a witty and off-the-cuff manner that, in reality, is meant to affirm and cement their class status, as is the case when Joseph Surface mentions Phoebus in Act 2, Scene 2:
Unlock with LitCharts A+A very Phoebus, mounted-indeed, Sir Benjamin.
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—The Mistaken Shylock:
In Act 3, Scene 3, Sir Oliver (disguised as Mr. Premium) makes an allusion to Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice in the following quote:
Unlock with LitCharts A+What the plague, have you no bowels for your own kindred? Odd’s life, do you take me for Shylock in the play, that you would raise money of me on your own flesh and blood?
Related Themes:
