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

English Literary Devices Questions



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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. It allows writers to enhance their writing by drawing upon the reader's knowledge and understanding of the referenced material.

An 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.