Allusions

=**//Allusions//** =

An allusion is a direct or implied reference.

For example, one might allude to Jesus (because of his global notoriety) when mentioning self-sacrifice. By alluding (or referring) to a commonly known person, place, or moment we are able to make clearer associations and create richer descriptions of the topic at hand. Allusions in Literature

In literature allusion is term that describes a reference in a literary work to a person, place, or thing in history or another work of literature. Allusions are often indirect or brief references to well-known characters or events. For example, one might allude to Holden Caulfield, Salinger’s infamous teen character, in order to describe the perils of teen angst and identity crisis.

Allusions in Music Music lyrics are full of allusions to past events and characters from literature or mythology. If you think of music and literature as art forms that explore the universal human experience, it makes perfect sense that a musician might include a classic allusion in order to conjure up certain ideas, associations, or feelings.

Allusions in Art

Many visual artists allude to famous people from the past, moments in history, or characters from literature as subjects for their work. For example, several artists have alluded to Icarus, a well-known character from Greek Mythology who was warned not to fly too low, or too high when trying to escape from Crete with wings of wax. Icarus learned too late the value of doing things in moderation-- as he fell to his death when he ignored his father’s warning and flew close enough to the sun for his wings to melt.

Allusions in Advertising  There are so many allusions in advertising; it’s mind-boggling! Some of the references are so commonly used that we no longer remember what the origin is. For example, think of the many times have you heard the expression “he’s got the Midas touch!”

Allusions in Vocabulary  While Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes may not technically fall under the category of an allusion, thinking of them as a nod to the past, or a reference to an earlier meaning might help stretch the definition of an allusion.

More importantly, referring to the origin of these affixes can help us determine the meaning of many unfamiliar words.