An allusion is a figure of speech that references a person, place, thing, or event. It's a passing comment that doesn't describe the reference in detail, but instead expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the reference – and grasp its importance in the context of the discussion.

Allusions are common in pop culture, LGBTQ culture, and fashion. More recently, to say something is “coded” means it’s making a covert reference. The word allusion differs from other literary devices as it is a casual reference based on the reader’s knowledge.

R.F. Thomas characterized different types of allusion – apparent reference and multiple reference or conflation. The terms suggest a detailed analysis of how allusions work in texts.

Origins and History of Allusion

The word "allusion" comes from the late Middle English word "allusoun," which means "a play on words" or "game." This word, in turn, can be traced to the Latin allusionem, meaning "a playing with, a reference to," from the Latin alludere, meaning "to play, jest, or refer to."

Allusion has been a common literary device since the Greek and Roman eras. For instance, the Roman poet Ovid alluded to the adventures of Odysseus and the Trojan War in his epic poem Metamorphoses, while the Greek playwright Aristophanes alluded to the poet Euripides in his comedy The Frogs.

In medieval and Renaissance literature, allusions to biblical and mythological figures were abundant. Dante's Divine Comedy and Milton's Paradise Lost are loaded with classical allusions to biblical and ancient stories.

Examples of Literary Allusion

Literature is full of allusion examples. One of the most famous literary allusion examples is T.S. Eliot's poem The Waste Land, which contains numerous allusions to classical Greek mythology, Shakespeare, and the Bible. For instance, the line "I will show you fear in a handful of dust" alludes to the Bible's description of God's curse on Adam.

In Ernest Hemingway's novel The Sun Also Rises, the character Mike is called "Cohn" by some of his friends. This is an allusion to the biblical figure of Cohn, who was a priest.

Allusions can also be visual. In the movie E.T., the main character, Elliott, is shown reading a comic book featuring Buck Rogers. This is a visual allusion to the adventurous spirit that Elliott shares with the comic book hero.

Biblical allusion is also a literary device that the author uses from the Bible to add profound meaning to their work. In Paradise Lost, Milton uses a corrective allusion to biblical narratives by portraying Satan as a complex, almost heroic figure.

Allusion in Politics

Allusions are as effective in everyday speech as they are in literary usage, particularly in politics. For example, in the opening sentence of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech – “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today…,” – he makes a direct allusion to Abraham Lincoln without mentioning him by name.

These references can also be subtle. Former President Barack Obama once gave a speech that alluded to memorable passages from the U.S. Constitution, including “We, the people, of the United States of America,” and “all men are created equal.”

Conclusion

Allusion is an incidental mention of something, either directly or indirectly, to convey a broader meaning. It suggests how allusions function effectively in referencing historical moments, literature, or in everyday life.

It’s more coded than other literary devices, but enriches a piece of writing by layering meaning, drawing connections, and engaging the reader's knowledge and imagination. By understanding how allusion works and recognizing its use, readers can deepen their appreciation and understanding of a text. ⬥