Allusions

An ALLUSION means you ALLUDE to or REFERENCE something that most people are familiar with and can make a meaningful connection or comparison to in real life.

Match the following TYPES OF ALLUSIONS:

• Reference to person/event from the past

• Literary Allusion

• Reference to a well-known story

• Biblical Allusion

• Reference to a religious story/person

• Historical Allusion

• Reference a story/character from a myth

• Mythological Allusion

What is the meaning of the historical allusion?

My brother is a regular Einstein! He always seems to know the answer!

• His brother is unintelligent.

• His brother works hard.

• His brother is intelligent.

• His brother is lazy.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

What is the meaning of the literary allusion?

My friend was being a total Scrooge when I asked her to share her M&Ms.

• Not wanting to share.

• Excited about sharing.

• Throwing them all away.

• Counting the M&Ms.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, Achilles's mother dips him in a river that protects his body wherever it touches. His heel does not get wet, so it is the one part of his body left unprotected. During the Trojan War, an arrow hits Achilles in the heel and kills him.
What is the meaning of the mythological allusion in the sentence below?
Red velvet cupcakes were Stacy's Achilles's heel when she was trying to eat more healthily. 

• A source of strength
  
• A sole weakness
  
• A feeling of false strength
• All of the above

In Greek mythology, a mythical bird called the phoenix lives for hundreds of years before bursting into flames at its death. However, it soon rises from its own ashes and is reborn.
What is the meaning of the mythological allusion in the sentence below?
Fans debated whether their team would rise from the ashes.

• To come back after  destruction or defeat
   
• To surprise an opponent 
• To think optimistically
• None of the above

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

George Orwell's novel 1984 focuses on a totalitarian society in which the citizens are frequently reminded that their leader, Big Brother, is always watching.
What is the meaning of the literary allusion in the sentence below?
The headline read: "Smart Phones Becoming Big Brother." 

• A nuisance that distracts people from important tasks
  
• An important system that helps people stay safe
• A threatening power that monitors all aspects of people's lives 
• All of the above

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In the Bible, Daniel accurately translates mysterious writing that appears on a wall, and in doing so, he predicts the death of a king.
What is the meaning of the biblical allusion in the sentence below?
Investors should have seen the writing on the wall. 

• an inaccurate prediction 
• a sign with important technical information 
• a clear indication of how something will turn out 
• none of these answers are correct 

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, King Midas is granted his wish that everything he touches turn to gold.

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

When it comes to starting new businesses, Elon Musk seems to have a Midas touch.

• fortunate

• unusual

• unfortunate

• usual

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The comic book superhero Spider-Man possesses a spidey sense that warns him of impending trouble.

What is the meaning of the liteary 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

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In a biblical parable, a Samaritan selflessly stops to help an enemy who has been beaten and stranded on the side of a road.

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

A Good Samaritan jumped in when my grocery bag broke and the contents spilled all over the sidewalk.

• a person who enjoys interacting with others

• a person who plays tricks on others

• a person who takes advantage of others

• a person who goes out of the way to help another

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4