Allusions

1. Allusions 6th Grade Writing November 17th, 2010 Mr. Russell

2. Definition • Allusion - a figure of speech that makes a reference or representation of or to a well-known person, place, event, literary work , or work of art • Allusions in writing help the reader to visualize what's happening by evoking a mental picture. But the reader must be aware of the allusion and must be familiar with what it alludes to. • Allusions are commonly made to the Bible, nursery rhymes, myths, famous fictional or historical characters or events, and Shakespeare. They can be used in prose and poetry.

3. Purpose • An allusion allows an author to make a powerful point without having to actually explain it. This allows the author to use something the reader already understands to get across the new point they are trying to make. • Why else would an author want to do this? • How else could this be a more effective way of communicating about an idea with the reader?

4. Before using an Allusion… • When using an allusion, the author assumes that the reader is familiar with the item being alluded to. • An allusion is ineffective if the reader is not familiar with the item being alluded to. • Publishers use footnotes or side notes to help modern readers understand allusions that may no longer be common knowledge.

5. Common Mistakes • An "allusion" is not the same as an "illusion". • Other common mistakes for allusion: - delusion - elusion - hallucination - reference What is the difference between each of these words?

6. Allusion Chart

7. Examples • "As the cave's roof collapsed, he was swallowed up in the dust like Jonah, and only his frantic scrabbling behind a wall of rock indicated that there was anyone still alive".The allusion in the sentence above is to Jonah. The reader is expected to recognize the reference to Jonah and the whale, which should evoke an image of being 'swallowed alive' ... in this case, behind a wall of dust and rock.

8. Examples, cont. • "Christy didn't like to spend money. She was no Scrooge, but she seldom purchased anything except the bare necessities". • Did you spot the allusion to Scrooge? That name should bring to mind an image of someone who 'pinches pennies' and hoards money with a passion. But the allusion only works if the reader is familiar with Charles Dickens' story 'A Christmas Carol'.

9. Examples, cont. • Here's and example from Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick':"Well," said the Lieutenant, who had listened with amused interest to all this, and now waxing merry with his tipple; "Well, blessed are the peacemakers, especially the fighting peacemakers!” • In this case the allusion is a Biblical reference the the Beatitudes ... 'Blessed are the peacemakers ...'

10. Examples, cont. • Here's one more Biblical allusion:"Like the prodigal son, he returned to his home town and was welcomed by all who knew him". • In order to fully appreciate the allusion to the prodigal son, the reader must be familiar with that story in the gospel of Luke 15: 11-32.

11. Using Allusions in Your Writing • The Virgin Mary was the mother of Jesus and born without sin. • Romeo was a character from Shakespeare who fell in love with Juliette, the daughter of his family’s enemy. • Superman was a superhero who could fly and whose only weakness was kryptonite. • The Three Stooges were acomedy team of not-too-bright buffoons. • Benedict Arnold was an American traitor. • The 'cowardly lion' from the Wizard of Oz was a coward. • Judas betrayed Jesus. • Mother Teresa was a nun who selflessly devoted her life to caring for the poor and sick. • Don Quixote was a fictional hero; a dreamer who was always going on quests to try to accomplish impossible tasks.

12. Using Allusions in Your Writing, cont. • Your assignment is to write a short poem that contains an allusion to one of the characters above, or to someone or something else you choose (ask for approval first). When you are finished, we will share your poems and try to identify what it is your are alluding to and what purpose it serves in the writing. • This assignment is to be typed, and at least 16 lines long.

13. Example Allusion Poem • Writing at school is oh so much fun • With lessons on write traits so cleverly done • Each essay I write is carefully made • So like Virgin Mary I get perfect grades. • Each C day gets better and I love writing more • It’s so entertaining and never a bore. • I feel like I’m learning and gaining more brains • Despite sometimes struggling when writing’s a pain. • I keep working hard and power on through, • Like Superman can fly, I’m a good writer too!