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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
Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—Hour of Our Death:
As she describes her teenage years, Antoinette relies on a mixture of visual imagery and religious diction to conjure up the atmosphere of the convent. Some of her religious diction draws on allusions, to both traditional prayers and the Bible. Of the settings in the novel, the convent is the one that is described in the most decisively positive terms. Antoinette may feel ambivalent about the religious lessons that are taught there, but life is safe, clean, and orderly during this period of her life.
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Explanation and Analysis—As Flies to Wanton Boys:
In the final argument between Annette and Mr. Mason about whether it is safe for the Cosways to remain at Coulibri, Antoinette is surprised to hear Aunt Cora vocally take Annette's side. Alluding to Shakespeare, Aunt Cora suggests that Mr. Mason is ignorant and over-trusting.
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Live here most of your life and know nothing about the people. It's astonishing. They are children—they wouldn't hurt a fly."
"Unhappily children do hurt flies."
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Explanation and Analysis—Octopus's Garden:
Early in Wide Sargasso Sea, Antoinette acquaints the reader with Coulibri Estate as it looked and felt in her childhood. In a rich passage, Rhys uses allusion, simile, and imagery to make the garden come alive. As in many of Antoinette's memories, uneasiness and hostility lurk beneath the lush and fragrant beauty.
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Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—Crowing:
The second part opens just after the newly married couple has arrived in the town of Massacre, in Dominica. The gloomy atmosphere of these early scenes does not bode well for the honeymoon or marriage, and is deepened when the husband hears a rooster crowing. This biblical allusion becomes a motif in the novel, foreshadowing subsequent misery and betrayal.
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Explanation and Analysis—Little Deaths:
When the husband describes the passionate aspects of their relationship, he uses death as a metaphor for orgasm. This corresponds with a French idiom from the 17th century, la petite mort. In this section, Rhys also makes an allusion to Shakespeare, as Antoinette articulates herself in a way that is reminiscent of a line spoken by the titular character of Othello.
In the early part of the honeymoon, before Daniel's letters have damaged the husband's view of Antoinette, they spend their evenings in intimacy. The husband recalls a night when Antoinette asks whether he would take her life, now when she feels complete bliss.
Unlock with LitCharts A+"If I could die. Now, when I am happy. Would you do that? You wouldn't have to kill me. Say die and I will die. You don't believe me? Then try, try, say die and watch me die."
"Die then! Die!" I watched her die many times. In my way, not hers.
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