Explain the concept of allusion and provide an example from a famous literary work.

English Literary Devices Questions Medium



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Explain the concept of allusion and provide an example from a famous literary work.

The concept of allusion in literature refers to the practice of making indirect references to people, events, or works of art, which are not explicitly mentioned in the text. Allusions are used to enhance the meaning and depth of a literary work by drawing upon the reader's prior knowledge or cultural references.

One famous example of allusion can be found in William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet." In Act 2, Scene 2, Romeo compares Juliet to the sun by saying, "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." This allusion to the sun emphasizes Juliet's beauty and radiance, as the sun is often associated with warmth, light, and life. By using this allusion, Shakespeare not only enhances the romantic atmosphere of the scene but also suggests that Juliet is the source of light and life in Romeo's world.