Allusion Types

A brief reference to a famous historical figure or event, like from a movie or a book. 

• Alliteration 

• Hyperbole 

• Assonance 

• Allusion

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 allusion in the sentence below?

• 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

In a well-known folktale, Chicken Little is accidentally hit by something and jumps to the conclusion that the sky is falling and that she must spread the news of imminent disaster. What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below? The weather forecast called for clear skies, making my grandfather look like Chicken Little.

• a person who spreads alarming news of imminent danger

• a person who greets trouble with optimism

• a person who is slow to adapt

• a person who spreads rumors about others

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 allusion in the sentence below?

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

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below? Fans debated whether their team would rise from the ashes.

• surprise an opponent

• be consistently successful

• never win

• come back from defeat

Which part of the sentence is an allusion: If they keep pushing me, I'm going to turn into the Hulk.

• If they keep

• keep pushing me

• I'm going to turn

• turn into the Hulk

Which of the following is an example of a literary allusion?

• A reference to a famous painting

• A direct quote from a novel

• A mention of a historical event

• A brief mention of a mythological character

What type of allusion is used in the phrase 'Achilles' heel'?

• Historical

• Mythological

• Literary

• Biblical

In literature, what does the allusion 'Pandora's box' typically refer to?

• A source of endless curiosity

• A source of unforeseen troubles

• A source of great wealth

• A source of happiness

Which sentence contains a biblical allusion?

• He was a real Romeo with the ladies.

• She opened a Pandora's box of problems.

• He was a Good Samaritan to his neighbors.

• She had the Midas touch with investments.