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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: A Man of Humanity
Explanation and Analysis—A Second Wilberforce:
In Chapter 1, the narrator uses an allusion to describe and ultimately poke fun at Haley as he discusses enslavement:
It's always best to do the humane thing, sir; that's been my experience. The trader leaned back in his chair, and folded his arms, with an air of virtuous decision, apparently considering himself a second Wilberforce.
Related Themes:
Chapter 7: The Mother’s Struggle
Explanation and Analysis—Biblical Allusions:
Uncle Tom's Cabin is full of biblical references, as Beecher Stowe explicitly wrote the novel with a Christian audience in mind. In the below passage from Chapter 4, for example, the narrator makes multiple allusions to the Bible when describing a group of slaves:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There were others, which made incessant mention of “Jordan’s banks,” and “Canaan’s fields,” and the “New Jerusalem;” for the negro-mind, impassioned and imaginative, always attaches itself to hymns and expressions of a vivid and pictorial nature; and, as they sang, some laughed, and some cried, and some clapped hands, or shook hands rejoicingly with each other, as if they had fairly gained the other side of the river.
Related Themes:
Chapter 15: Of Tom’s New Master, and Various Other Matters
Explanation and Analysis—Literary Allusions:
Beecher Stowe often uses literary allusions to say something about the class, background, and traits of her characters. In the opening of Chapter 15, for example, the narrator makes a few literary allusions when describing the St. Clare home:
Unlock with LitCharts A+In the family “keeping-room,” as it is termed, he will remember the staid, respectable old book-case, with its glass doors, where Rollin’s History, Milton’s Paradise Lost, Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, and Scott’s Family Bible, stand side by side in decorous order, with multitudes of other books, equally solemn and respectable.
Related Themes:
Chapter 26: Death
Explanation and Analysis—Eva's Locks:
In Chapter 26, Eva uses a metaphor when she jokes with Miss Ophelia and likens her hair to a sheep’s fleece:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Come, aunty, shear the sheep!
Related Themes:
