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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 Their Eyes Were Watching God
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Morning Again:
At many moments throughout the book, the narrator takes a moment to specifically describe the dawning of a new day or the end of one in a sunset. This is, on a simple level, a way to move the story forward to the next day, a way to indicate in an interesting way that one day in the story has ended and another has begun.
Related Themes:
Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—Saul's Daughter:
Hurston alludes to Michal in the Book of Samuel after Janie calls Joe fat, old, ugly, and vain, in public:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Then Joe Starks realized all the meanings and his vanity bled like a flood. Janie had robbed him of his illusion of irresistible manliness that all men cherish. The thing that Saul's daughter had done to David. But Janie had done worse, she had cast down his empty armor before men and they had laughed, would keep on laughing.
Related Themes:
Chapter 11
Explanation and Analysis—Lak Ole Peter:
Tea Cake makes a quick allusion to the Gospel of Matthew while flirting with Janie in one of their first meetings. He says he'd buy her anything she wants, even a battleship or a passenger train, and when Janie doubts he could acquire a battleship, he says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Ah shucks, dem Admirals is always ole folks. Can't no ole man stop me from gittin' no ship for yuh if dat's what you want. Ah'd get that ship out from under him so slick till he'd be walkin' on de water lak ole Peter befo' he knowed it.
Related Themes:
