Allusions, while important to helping readers understand themes and characters on a deeper level, can sometimes be hard for students to grasp. Some allusions are often remote to the modern student’s knowledge cache, who might not necessarily know many ancient Greek or Roman references. In addition, many allusions are religious or culturally-specific, and this can often alienate students of different cultural or religious backgrounds. However, it is important to point out these allusions, explain their significance, and then analyze how their meaning enhances our understanding of the point the author is trying to make.
Allusion Definition:
Allusions are references to well-known
- Events
- People or Characters
- Works of Art or Literature
- Places
- Religions
Allusion Examples
Many authors utilize the titles of their works to be their allusive references; poetry also utilizes allusions to enhance themes and evoke emotions. They can also be used to establish mood, setting, and significance. Allusions are not just limited to literature: they can be found in music, TV, movies, and art. Some common allusion examples students might be able to recognize include:
“Love Story” by Taylor Swift has an allusion to Romeo and Juliet.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green takes its title from a line in Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
An episode of The Walking Dead features a scene very much like when George tells Lennie to focus on his dream of owning rabbits on their own farm while he prepares to shoot him in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men.
The Disney classic The Little Mermaid features a mermaid with a beautiful voice who lures Prince Eric with the sound of her song, a clear reference to the beautiful, but dangerous, sirens of mythological lore.
Michelangelo’s well-known statue “David” depicts the Biblical hero, King David, who slew the giant Goliath with a stone and a slingshot.
The show and movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles features turtles with the names of the famous Italian artists Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael.
Example Project for Tracking Allusions
Common Core State Standards
Although this activity can be used for multiple grade levels, below are Common Core State Standards for Grades 11-12. Please see your Common Core State Standards for the correct grade-appropriate strands.
ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain
ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)
ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research
One challenge many students face is keeping track of the many literary allusions they come across in a work, including their meanings and how the allusions enhance the work as a whole. A great and easy way to streamline this process is by having students keep track of the allusions in a visual and descriptive way using storyboards! Using the example and template below, have students track the allusions and their context in the work, and then after researching or class discussions, have them integrate a new cell that explains how that allusion enhances the meaning or the events of the work.
Related Activities
Check out these ….. activities from our guides on Ghost, The War That Saved My Life, and Kira-Kira.
Example Rubric
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 19 Points | Beginning 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allusion | The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The quote which contains the allusion is included, or context is given for the quote's place in a brief summary. | The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The quote may be missing or no context is given. | The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The quote and/or context are missing, or there is no description at all. |
| How It Enhances Meaning | The allusion's connection to the work is accurate and thoughtful, with meaningful commentary provided to accompany the scene. | The allusion's connection to the work is slightly inaccurate, or only partially described. The commentary may be too limited. | The allusion's connection to the work has serious errors in accuracy. The commentary may also be missing or incomplete. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How to Connect Literary Allusions to Student's Prior Knowledge
Introduce Literary Allusions and Prior Knowledge
Explain the concept of literary allusions, which are references to other works of literature, mythology, history, or popular culture within a text. Discuss the importance of connecting these allusions to students' prior knowledge and experiences for deeper understanding and engagement.
Activate Prior Knowledge
Engage students in a discussion or activity to activate their prior knowledge related to literature, mythology, history, or popular culture. Encourage students to share their familiarity with specific texts, characters, events, or cultural references.
Identify Allusions in Texts
Guide students in identifying literary allusions within texts they are studying or reading. Encourage them to recognize familiar names, symbols, phrases, or events that may reference other works or cultural elements.
Make Connections
Facilitate discussions and brainstorming sessions to help students make connections between the allusions and their prior knowledge. Encourage them to draw parallels between the referenced works or cultural elements and their own experiences, observations, or readings.
Provide Context and Background Information
Provide context and background information on the alluded works, characters, events, or cultural references. Share relevant details to deepen students' understanding of the connections and enhance their appreciation of the text.
Reflect and Discuss
Engage students in reflective discussions to explore the significance and impact of connecting allusions to their prior knowledge. Encourage them to analyze how the connections enrich their understanding of the text, contribute to characterization, or convey deeper themes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Allusion: Definition and Examples
What are allusions?
Allusions are references to well-known events, people or characters, works of art or literature, places, religions, or other cultural references in literature or other forms of media.
What are some examples of allusions?
Some examples of allusions include references to Shakespearean plays, Greek mythology, the Bible, and other historical events, people, or works of art.
What are some common allusions found in popular culture?
Some common allusions found in popular culture include references to famous movies, TV shows, and music, as well as historical events and figures.
How do allusions enhance themes and evoke emotions in literature?
Allusions can enhance themes and evoke emotions in literature by connecting the text to larger cultural or historical contexts. For example, a reference to the Bible in a work of literature can add depth and meaning to the text by connecting it to religious or moral themes.
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