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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
Book 1, Chapter 1: The Eve of the War
Explanation and Analysis—Biblical Allusions:
The War of the Worlds contains many biblical allusions. These allusions ground the story in a real-world religious context. They also challenge certain elements of religious faith. For example, in Book 1, Chapter 1, the narrator references Psalm 49:12:
Yet across the gulf of space, minds that are to our minds as ours are to those of the beasts that perish, intellects vast and cool and unsympathetic, regarded this earth with envious eyes, and slowly and surely drew their plans against us.
Related Themes:
Book 1, Chapter 13: How I Fell in With the Curate
Explanation and Analysis—Natural Disasters:
The War of the Worlds contains strategic allusions to major natural disasters. For example, in Book 1, Chapter 13, the narrator references a major real-life earthquake that hit Lisbon:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Had they left their comrade and pushed on forthwith, there was nothing at that time between them and London but batteries of twelve-pounder guns, and they would certainly have reached the capital in advance of the tidings of their approach; as sudden, dreadful, and destructive their advent would have been as the earthquake that destroyed Lisbon a century ago.
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 8: Dead London
Explanation and Analysis—Biblical Allusions:
The War of the Worlds contains many biblical allusions. These allusions ground the story in a real-world religious context. They also challenge certain elements of religious faith. For example, in Book 1, Chapter 1, the narrator references Psalm 49:12:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Yet across the gulf of space, minds that are to our minds as ours are to those of the beasts that perish, intellects vast and cool and unsympathetic, regarded this earth with envious eyes, and slowly and surely drew their plans against us.
Related Themes:
