An allusion is a figure of speech that refers to a well‑known person, place, event, literary work, myth, or work of art. It’s used to evoke associated meanings and enrich the text.

Allusions can be direct or indirect, meaning that they might explicitly state the name of the thing they're referring to, or they might hint at it in other, subtler ways.

Allusions are generally regarded as brief but purposeful references, within a literary text, to a person, place, event, or to another work of literature.

Dec 9, 2024 · An allusion is commonly used in literature, cinema, music, and art. It is a reference to a person, place, or event that the speaker or writer assumes will be understood by their audience, with …

May 13, 2025 · What is an allusion, and why do writers use it? An allusion is a literary device used to refer to something well-known, like a famous person, story, place, or event, without saying it …

An allusion is an indirect reference, whereas an illusion is something that is unreal or incorrect. Each of the nouns has a related verb form: allude “to refer indirectly to,” and illude (not a very common word), …

Allusion, in literature, is an implied or indirect reference to a person, event, or thing or to a part of another text.

An allusion occurs in literature when an author indirectly references another work, event, person, or place. The reference may be historical or modern. Authors and writers use allusions to express a …

Allusions: Allusion is a literary device that refers to an indirect or passing reference to a person, event, or work of art, often to evoke a deeper meaning or context. It relies on the audience's familiarity with the …

Apr 29, 2025 · Allusion Definition in Literature: What Is an Allusion? An allusion is a brief reference to something outside the text—often a well-known person, event, or work of art—that adds depth to a …