The best allusion examples in literature, film, TV, and conversations demonstrate why this literary device is so powerful. Show
Not only do allusions capture attention and create a sense of shared understanding, but we can’t seem to help weaving them into our creations. You probably use allusions more often than you realize. And whatever you’re alluding to within your story, article, screenplay, speech, or conversation, you want your audience to feel that spark of recognition. So what are some good allusions you can use to draw them in?  What is Allusion?Put simply, an allusion is a reference to something outside the moment in which your scene, song, or statement takes place. An external allusion (which most allusions are) refers to something outside your story but familiar to your reader. An internal allusion refers to something earlier in your story, which you hope your reader noticed. TLDR; an allusion is like a subtle reference to something. Understanding AllusionsIt helps to have a working allusion definition. But to really understand allusions, you need to see them in context and get a handle on some of their history as a literary device. Storytellers use allusions all the time and have for centuries. If they can trigger a memory in their reader, they can draw them more deeply into the scene. The reader picks up the allusion, recognizes the reference, and feels more like an insider — someone with shared knowledge. Plus, any mental images that come to mind as a result of the allusion help tie the story to the reader’s own experience. As common as they are, it’s important to distinguish between allusions and other literary devices like the following:
How to Recognize AllusionsTo recognize an allusion and distinguish it from similar literary devices, keep the following in mind (especially with external allusions):
Authors use allusion with the assumption that most if not all their readers are familiar with what they’re referencing. And in some cases – like allusions to bible stories or to Roman or Greek mythology – the references retain their potency over the years. Not all allusions age well. But the examples below reference events, stories, and characters that still have a prominent place in our collective memory. 25 Allusion ExamplesWe’ve grouped the following collection of allusion examples according to type. Depending on your background and interests, some are likely to be more familiar than others. Allusions in Classical MythologyAllusions to Greek and Roman mythology have aged fairly well over the centuries. Allude to a Greek or Roman god or myth and those who share that knowledge pay closer attention. Ask yourself if any of the following examples sound familiar.
The allusion to Bacchus / Dionysus — the god of wine and revelry — lets the reader (and the neighbors) know what to expect of the party being held.
The motto alludes to the mythological King Midas whose touch could turn anything (or anyone) to gold. Midas Tire Company uses that allusion to convey the idea that whatever project they touch will “turn to gold,” i.e., result in the best outcome for their customers.
Here, the speaker alludes to the Greek god Proteus, who could change his shape at will. Another mythological figure used in a similar way is the two-faced Roman god Janus. Biblical AllusionsThe bible is actually the source of numerous allusions we use in everyday speech. Here are some of the more familiar ones you’ve probably heard (or used yourself):
This allusion references the popular Bible story to describe someone who goes out of their way to help a stranger.
This biblical allusion references the crucifixion of Jesus and meaning a burden to bear or suffering to accept or tolerate.
And finally, this reference alluding the biblical character, Job, to describe someone with extreme patience in the face of unusual challenges. Allusion Examples in PoetryAllusions in poetry can either be brief references or extended parallels that continue throughout the piece — or for a significant part of it.
Frost briefly references the Garden of Eden in the bible to drive home his point that not even paradise can last forever.
Currer Bell was the pen name of Charlotte Bronte, who died and was buried in the English village of Haworth. Dickinson wrote this poem as a tribute to Bronte on the fourth anniversary of her death.
The entire poem depends on its audience’s familiarity with the story of Beowulf — its origins and its significance to world literature.
The allusion to Eve from the book of Genesis isn’t meant to be biblically accurate; the point is to take a well-known character and ask “What if…”? Historical Allusion ExamplesHistory is full of interesting characters, some more notorious than others. The following examples highlight just a sampling of figures and events that still capture our attention.
When the character Atticus Finch mentions “the crash,” he’s alluding to the Stock Market Crash of 1929, which led to the Great Depression.
The creator, Gene Roddenberry, wanted to create episodes that alluded to the most pressing social and political controversies of the 1960s — the nuclear arms race, the Vietnam War, sexual liberation, and race relations.
The 19th-century whaling ship in the story is named Pequod, which alludes to the Native American Pequot tribe. Melville’s original audience was likely familiar with the Pequot War of 1636-1637, which nearly drove this tribe to extinction. In this case, the ship’s name was both an allusion and a foreshadowing. Examples of Allusion in LiteratureAllusions in literature typically reference classic literary work, mythological or religious characters, or historical characters and events. Consider the following literary allusion examples:
Shakespeare uses mythological allusions to show Hamlet’s admiration for his murdered father — comparing the latter to three gods in Roman mythology.
Before this quote, Conrad describes the knitting women as “guarding the door of darkness,” alluding to the Fates of Greek mythology, who spin, measure, and cut the threads of life.
There aren’t any good, brave causes left. If the big bang does come, and we all get killed off, it won’t be in aid of the old-fashioned grand design. It’ll just be for the Brave New-nothing-very-much-thank-you.” While he never explicitly references the Second World War, Osborne clearly alludes to it here when explaining his generation’s relative lack of purpose. Allusion Examples in Film & TelevisionIt’s not hard to find examples of allusion in both film and television series, as you’ll see from the few listed below.
When Cameron leaves his father’s Ferrari at a Chicago parking garage, he doesn’t see the valet taking it for a joyride and soaring down the road to the tune of the Star Wars theme, off on an adventure of his own.
The teen comedy is essentially a modern retelling of the 1815 novel, Emma, by Jane Austen, though even viewers unfamiliar with the original could enjoy the film on its own.
In one episode, Angel (played by David Boreanaz) describes a painting by Manet that features the French poet and critic Baudelaire:
Allusions in Popular CulturePop culture allusions come in different types:
In this episode, the Doctor (played by David Tennant), says, “Who you gonna call?” and his companion, Rose Tyler, replies with “Ghostbusters!” alluding to the trademark phrase from the well-known movie franchise (as well as the song).
The song alludes to the lead characters in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.Romeo snuck into the garden outside Juliet’s window, throwing pebbles to get her attention.
Not only did Kraft sell their product using a rapper familiar to the age group most likely to be buying it; the commercial also promoted Kraft’s new Ninja Turtle-shaped pasta, reminding viewers of the role Vanilla Ice had played in a Turtles movie.
If you’ve never heard this song before, give it a listen. Almost every word is a direct allusion to a major historical event in the 20th century. Let’s take a look at the last verse before the outro:
See what I mean? Allusions in Everyday SpeechYou’ve probably heard some variation on the following examples:
Using sarcasm + an allusion to Albert Einstein, a historical figure recognized as a genius.
A mythological allusion to the Roman god Cupid.
Alluding to the Greek god Atlas You can probably think of others. We’re constantly connecting things and using those connections in our conversations and writings to draw people together. How to Use Allusion in Your WritingYou have some idea, now, of why you’d like to use allusions in your work:
But maybe you’re not yet sure just how to use them in your own writing. Here are a few time-tested ideas to get you started:
The more you allude to well-known works, events, and characters, the easier it is to connect with your audience, build trust, and establish yourself as an authority. Make the best use of this timeless literary technique, and your writing will live rent-free in the minds of your readers. And the more powerful your writing portfolio becomes the more people you’ll reach with your dazzling words. What’s Your Biggest Takeaway From These Allusion Examples?Now that you’ve looked through all 25+ examples of allusions, which types would you like to explore or use more often? Which holds particular appeal for you when you catch them in other people’s work? As you’ve seen from the allusion examples listed above, all kinds of writers – including copywriters, bloggers, poets, and storytellers – use allusions to get their readers’ attention and stand out from the competition. Now, it’s your turn to practice. Use the examples as prompts to get your mind working on allusion ideas of your own. If you’re having fun with it, you’re doing something right. What is the purpose of Franklin's allusion to the builders of Babel?In this quote, he is wanting to prove their enemies wrong by uniting together rather than turning on each other like the builders of the Tower of Babel. Franklin also uses similes throughout his speech.
How does Franklin's allusion to the Tower of Babel add to his speech?By using the allusion, Franklin gets his point across with more conviction than if he had simply said that their enemies “did not want them to work well together.” Especially because of the religious nature of society during that time, the allusion was well used.
Why did Franklin compare the constitutional convention to that of the building the Tower of Babel?In this allusion, the builders went their separate ways and never finished building the Tower of Babel because God sent disrupted them. Franklin wanted to warn the delegates that their disagreements may cause the Constitution to never be established and the states would separate as the builders did.
For what important reason does Franklin urge the delegates to unanimously approve the Constitution?What is the main point of Benjamin Franklin's Speech in the Convention? The Constitutional Convention should support the Constitution because the document is as good as it is likely to be. The Constitutional Convention should support the Constitution because its framers have always been right in the past.
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