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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
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Brother's Keeper:
Mattie Ross uses a powerful religious allusion early in the narrative to frame her father's inherent moral character and to define the righteous motivation behind her quest for vengeance. She introduces this concept after describing Tom Chaney’s unprovoked murder of her father, Frank Ross.
In Chapter 1, Mattie justifies her father's decision to "meddle" with Tom Chaney:
Some people might say, well, what business was it of Frank Ross to meddle? My answer is this: he was trying to do that short devil a good turn. Chaney was a tenant and Papa felt responsibility. He was his brother’s keeper. Does that answer your question?
Related Themes:
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—The Daniel Webster Cigar:
An allusion to a Daniel Webster cigar occurs during a moment of rivalry between Rooster Cogburn and LaBoeuf, serving as a key example of the novel's dry humor while simultaneously undercutting LaBoeuf’s posturing. The allusion takes place during the trio's first night of camping on the trail, when LaBoeuf brags about the hardships he has endured:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“In my country you can ride for days and see no ground water. I have lapped filthy water from a hoofprint and was glad to have it. You don’t know what discomfort is until you have nearly perished for water.”
Rooster said, “If I ever meet one of you Texas waddies that says he never drank from a horse track I think I will shake his hand and give him a Daniel Webster cigar.”
“Then you don’t believe it?” asked LaBoeuf.
“I believed it the first twenty-five times I heard it.”
Related Themes:
