Allusion Practice

In classical mythology, Hercules struggles to fight the Hydra, a monster with nine heads. When one head is cut off, two grow in its place. What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

The flowers in my garden were crowded out by hydra-headed weeds.

• difficult to control or contain

• slippery, hard to grasp

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus is the home of the twelve Greek gods. What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

After the year he's had, Santiago has earned a spot on the Mount Olympus of baseball.

• a place of fame and honor

• a place of shame and disgrace

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, Icarus has wings made of wax. His father tells him not to fly too close to the sun. When he doesn't listen, his wings melt, and he falls from the sky. What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

A modern-day Icarus, Regan entered the race without training and ended up with cramps.

• a hardworking person who always tries her best

• a foolish person who thinks she is unstoppable

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, Cassandra can see into the future. She tells others again and again of terrible events to come, but they never believe her. What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

After everyone ignored his warnings about thunderstorms, Luke felt like Cassandra when the campsite got soaked.

• someone who is often mistaken about the future

• someone who tries to help but is never believed

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In a J. M. Barrie book, the character Peter Pan runs away to Neverland. There, he stays young and free of worries forever.

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

My eighteen-year-old brother, who refuses to get a job, is a modern-day Peter Pan.

• a person who will not act like an adult

• a person who is always telling jokes

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, the Trojans accept a giant wooden horse from their enemies, the Greeks. The horse is secretly filled with Greek warriors, who open the gates for their army to attack the Trojans.

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

Linda wondered if Kelly's offer would end up being a Trojan horse.

• a tricky or harmful gift

• a happy or comforting memory

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In the novel Frankenstein, the scientist Dr. Frankenstein makes a monster from old body parts.

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

Like Frankenstein's monster, our junkyard car was built from old materials we found lying around.

• something made without care or thought

• something made from many different pieces

In Greek mythology, King Midas has the power to turn everything he touches into gold.

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

When it comes to science fair projects, Rebecca seems to have the Midas touch.

• a gift for finding success

• a history of bad luck

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, the muses are nine sister goddesses. They help singers, poets, scientists, and others with their ideas.

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

At Jane's art show, she introduced us to Gordon, her friend and muse.

• someone who encourages and inspires others

• someone who is dependable and loyal

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In one of Aesop's fables, a fox tries to reach a bunch of grapes. He cannot reach them and therefore cannot eat them, so he decides they must be sour.

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

What Xavier said about your new bike is clearly a case of sour grapes.

• finding fault in something you can't have

• pointing out important details that are hard to see