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Allegory
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 Watership Down
Chapter 1: The Notice Board
Explanation and Analysis—Cassandra:
Adams includes quotes from relevant literature at the beginning of each chapter in Watership Down. Each of these quotes amounts to an allusion; however, each of them serves a similar purpose. It will therefore be sufficient to analyze just one—the first quote in the novel, from Chapter 1:
CHORUS: Why do you cry out thus, unless at some vision of horror?
CASSANDRA: The house reeks of death and dripping blood.
CHORUS: How so? 'Tis but the odor of the altar sacrifice.
CASSANDRA: The stench is like a breath from the tomb.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon
Related Themes:
Chapter 5: In the Woods
Explanation and Analysis—Cunning Heroes:
In the following passage from Chapter 5, Dandelion compliments Hazel on his cunning by comparing him to El-ahrairah, one of the rabbits' folk heroes. To describe the significance of El-ahrairah to human readers, the narrator utilizes multiple allusions:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Well done," whispered Dandelion. "Running our risks for us, are you—like El-ahrairah?"
Hazel gave him a quick, friendly glance. It was warm praise and cheered him. What Robin Hood is to the English and John Henry to the American Negroes, Elil-Hrair-Rah, or El-ahrairah—The Prince with a Thousand Enemies—is to rabbits. [...] For that matter, Odysseus himself might have borrowed a trick or two from the rabbit hero, for he is very old and was never at a loss for a trick to deceive his enemies.
Related Themes:
