Types of Allusions

Allusion is another literary device. It is a reference to a person, place or event beyond the obvious subject matter of the text. Allusion is also used when the writer refers to a text in his writing. Let's examine some of the different types of allusion.

                                                                                                                                         Biblical Allusion
A biblical allusion is when the writer makes reference to someone or event in the Bible. The Bible has also been considered an authoritative source since many people believe it is a true account of past events.

Can you think of biblical references the writer might use if he's talking about what happens to people who are wise or spend their money foolishly?
What about forgiveness? Whom might the writer make reference to in the Bible?


                                                                                                                             Historical Allusion
A Historical allusion is used when someone makes reference to an individual or event in the past. Can you think of someone the writer might refer to if he's talking about non-violence or violence?
What about historical events in 1914 and 1935? The answer is the beginning of World War One and 1935 World War Two. What historical event occurred in 1981 in Antigua?




                                                                                                                                        Literary Allusion

A Literary allusion is used when the writer refers to a book or a person, place or event in a book or play.
For example, if the examiner asks what literary device is used when the writer makes reference to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, it is a literary allusion because Romeo and Juliet is another literary work. What book or literary allusion would you refer to if you are writing about an unsinkable ship or greed?




Click comments for devices you should know before going into the exam.