PoetryAllusion


 * ALLUSION**

A passing reference to historical or fictional characters, places, or events, or to other works that the writer assumes the reader will recognize. Allusions may refer to mythology, religion, literature, history, or art. Their power lies in suggestion and connotation.
 * Definition**

HAMLET (to Gertrude) Hyperion's curls, the front of Jove himself, An eye like Mars, to threaten and command, A station like the herald Mercury… (III.iv.70-72)
 * Example from Shakespeare**

In this example, the allusions Hamlet makes are effective in summarizing the great extent of his respect for his father in quick, powerful images. The mythological allusions demonstrate Hamlet’s regard of his father as a divinity holding the best features of Greek and Roman deities. These allusions portray Old Hamlet as enlightened and attractive as the sun god, as brave as the war god, and as dignified in his bearing as the winged messenger of the gods. Such celestial comparisons, especially in contrast to Hamlet’s later unflattering descriptions of Claudius, reinforce Hamlet’s difficulty with coping with his father’s death and the subsequent replacement of his kingship by his reprehensible uncle.

I have none of the tender-than-thou Collectivistic regimenting love With which the modern world is being swept
 * Example from Frost ("A Considerable Speck")**

Frost uses an allusion to communism (deduced from the word "collectivistic") in order to demonstrate the overly loving nature associated with communists. Frost uses this allusion to show that although the speaker is not all-embracing and all-loving as communists, he still is able to sympathesize the life in the tiny orgnaism he finds on his piece of paper. The speaker's desociation of himself from communists demonstrates the negative connotation of the term, and strengthens the allusion.


 * Sayhee Cook**