Allusion and Idiom

Allusion

Allusion definition

from literarydevices.net

An allusion is a reference, typically brief, to a person, place, thing, event, or other literary work with which the reader is presumably familiar. As a literary device, allusion allows a writer to compress a great deal of meaning and significance into a word or phrase. However, allusions are only effective to the extent that they are recognized and understood by the reader, and that they are properly inferred and interpreted by the reader. If an allusion is obscure or misunderstood, it can lose effectiveness by confusing the reader.

Examples

• His smile is like kryptonite to me.

• She felt like she had a golden ticket.

• I feel like I just tumbled down the rabbit hole.

• This guy is young, scrappy, and hungry.

• I wish I could click my heels to get out of here.

• My boss Jedi mind tricked me into working an extra shift.

• I've got English class with he who must not be named.

What is Allusion? - YouTube

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Examples in Monster

• Steve and Jerry discuss which superheroes they would want to be. The differences between Superman and Batman/Robin reveals their personalities and their relationship.

• James King says, "You don't have to be no Einstein to get paid. All you got to have is heart."

An allusion can be a reference to anything, but in literature, the most common sources are...

• The Bible

• Shakespeare.

Multiple Choice

The comic book superhero Spider-Man possesses a Spidey sense that warns him of trouble that's coming his way.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Luther picked up his pace on the trail as his Spidey sense began to tingle.

• sense of smell

• sense of danger

• sense of wonder

• sense of pride

Multiple Choice

Read the source of the allusion.

In Roman mythology, Cupid is the god of love. He often shoots arrows at people to make them love each other.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

I know I'm playing Cupid, but I think Bob and my cousin should spend more time together.

• trying to make people fall in love

• sharing or expressing an unpopular point of view

• saying kind and pleasant things about people

Multiple Choice

What type of allusion is this?

• Mythological

• Biblical

• Literary

• Historical

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is not an example of an allusion?

• his wife was his Achille's heel

• he lies so much, I'm surprised his nose doesn't grow like Pinnochio's

• she transformed her backyard to look like the Garden of Eden.

• we'll miss him so much because he was the best dog ever.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is true about allusions?

• allusions are written in quotation marks

• allusions are always started as a comparison, as in 'He was as strong as Hercules.'

• allusions are indicated references that may sometimes be obvious and sometimes obscure

• all of the above

Multiple Choice

What is the allusion commonly used for Cinderella?

• being ignored

• hard work

• hard work and bad treatment

• all of the above

Multiple Choice

How is the allusion Adman and Eve commonly used?

• committing a sin

• being lazy

• being in love

• all of the above

Multiple Choice

How would allusion be defined?

• a reference to a famous person, place, or event

• words that involve one of the five senses

• two lines working as a unit

• a form or wordplay with similar sounding sounds