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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
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Rima in the Forest:
After confronting their children about the unsettling African veldt landscape that they found in the virtual reality nursery (and after the children claim that no such veldt exists), George and Lydia visit the nursery to see if their children are telling the truth. In this scene, Bradbury includes both imagery and an allusion, as seen in the following passage:
There was a green, lovely forest, a lovely river, a purple mountain, high voices singing, and Rima, lovely and mysterious, lurking in the trees with colorful flights of butterflies, like animated bouquets, lingering in her long hair. The African veldtland was gone. The lions were gone. Only Rima was here now, singing a song so beautiful that it brought tears to your eyes.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Children’s Stories:
When giving background on the way that the virtual reality nursery in the Happylife Home works, the narrator alludes to several children’s books, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+How many times in the last year had he opened this door and found Wonderland, Alice, the Mock Turtle, or Aladdin and his Magical Lamp, or Jack Pumpkinhead of Oz, or Dr. Doolittle, or the cow jumping over a very real-appearing moon—all the delightful contraptions of a make-believe world. How often had he seen Pegasus flying in the sky ceiling, or seen fountains of red fireworks, or heard angel voices singing.
Related Themes:
