Definition and Examples of Allusion

The definition of allusion is a brief, usually indirect reference to another person, place, or event—real or fictional. Its use is a shortcut way of bringing extra meaning, clarity, or further explanation of an idea by referencing something that the audience already understands. Allusions may be historical, mythological, literary, pop cultural, or even personal. They can show up in literature, movies, television, comic books, video games, and ordinary conversations. Key Takeaways: Allusions An allusion is a reference to something else.A well-chosen allusion can pack a lot of meaning into very few words.The context of the reference needs to be understood by the audience, or not all of your meaning will be conveyed. The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion explains the techniques use this way: It is often possible to pack more meaning into a well-chosen allusion than into a roughly equivalent descriptive term from the general language either because an allusion can carry some of the  connotations  of the whole story from which it is drawn, or because an individuals name can be associated with more than one characteristic. (Introduction Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion, 3rd ed., edited by Andrew Delahunty and Sheila Dignen. Oxford University Press, 2010). An allusion is more subtle than a metaphor or simile, as a comparison. As a verb, the word is allude  and as an adjective, allusive. It is also known as an echo or a reference. Allusion in Literature Poetry often contains allusion, as every word in a poem carries lots of weight, so a simple allusive phrase in a poem can bring forth many additional layers of meaning. Prose and drama can carry allusions too. Rich sources of allusions include the literary works of Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, and George Orwell (among many others). Literary works can refer to other works to make a point (like Shakespearean characters referring to Greek myths or common superstitions of the time), or pop culture can make allusions to famous literature. Call someone a Shylock or a Romeo, and youre referring to Shakespeare. Use the phrase catch-22 to describe a paradoxical situation, and youre actually referring to a novel by Joseph Heller, whether you realize it or not.  If someone refers to an Adonis or an odyssey, those are Greek allusions. If you talk about taking the road less traveled, youre alluding to a Robert Frost poem. Biblical Allusions Biblical allusions are everywhere because theyre so widely understood. Anytime anyone speaks of Noah, a flood, an ark, Moses, a prodigal son returning, money-changers, Adam and Eve, a snake (or serpent), Eden, or David conquering Goliath—those are all biblical allusions.   Warren Buffet was once quoted as saying, I violated the Noah rule: predicting rain doesnt count; building arks does. Allusion in Political Speech Politicians make allusions all the time. Anytime you hear versions of anyone speaking softly or carrying a big stick, or having a big stick policy that person is alluding to Theodore Roosevelts views on foreign policy or his breaking up monopolies. Another phrase often alluded to is one from John F. Kennedys inaugural address, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. Senator Obamas call to ask not just what our government can do for us, but what we can do for ourselves had an even more direct connection to the inaugural address of the first G.I. Generation president of the United States. (Morley Winograd and Michael D. Hais, Millennial Makeover. Rutgers University Press, 2008) Or Abraham Lincoln—anytime people are counting in scores, theyre likely alluding to the Gettysburg Address, which starts four score and seven years ago. The location of Martin Luther King Jr.s I have a dream speech being by the Lincoln Memorial was no accident but an allusion. Also, widely used allusions to famous quotes  include the U.S. Constitutions We the people or the Declaration of Independences unalienable rights. Allusion in Pop Culture and Memes Pop culture allusions have a shorter shelf life, to be sure, but things that start out on social media do on occasion become part of the mass consciousness. For example, if you hear something referred to as a challenge, it could likely be referring to doing something seen in a video online—either to raise money for charity, as in the ice-bucket challenge that raised money for ALS, or something thats dangerous, like kids attempting to eat laundry detergent pods.   Memes that follow big news stories are also allusions. Following the news of the latter challenge, social media saw lots of memes making fun of the idiocy of anyone whod even think of eating laundry soap, like Back in my day, we had our mouths washed out with soap as punishment. It doesnt mention the pod challenge directly but alludes to it.   Comic books have become reference points in the most popular and the most esoteric fiction and art. Everyone understands a Superman allusion or a Batman joke.  (Gerard Jones,  Men of Tomorrow, Basic Books, 2005)

Canada s Power Regime Changes From New Face And New...

As Canada s power regime changes to a new face and new political party, the nation state receives a new vision. A new movement is introduced for establishing Canada s name socially, economically, and politically in its global relations. Canada has experienced this in the face of newly elected Prime Minister Sr. Justin Trudeau. Particularly inquiring of the dialogues exchanged within the conversation between Sr. Justin Treadeau and a press reporter in regards to a tax policy change that appeared to have a concealed contentious issue. The PM’s progressive plans aim to be for the wellbeing of Canadian society and building the pavement for a prosperous economy. Although Trudeau’s interior motives may be for the common good, for example to combat inequalities and class hierarchies between the Canadian citizens, his plan however may only be justice for some citizens and unfairness for the others. 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Collide With the Sky by Pierce the Veil free essay sample

Review of Collide With The Sky Pierce the Veil’s new album Collide With the Sky is the newest hit in the genre of rock music! Working together with their producer Dan Korneff and their record labels Equal Vision Records and Fearless Records, Vic Fuentes (vocalist), Mike Fuentes (drummer), Jaime Preciado (bass) and Tony Perry (guitar), have reached the charts with songs like â€Å"King For A Day† and â€Å"Caraphernelia†. This album is one of the best that has come out in a long time. It has the perfect mix of comforting lyrics, unique Mexican sounds from their backgrounds, and songs that make you want to sing your heart out. The album starts out with an instrumental track and leads right into Hell Above, a song that explains the effects concerts have on kids lives. Another song with great lyrics is â€Å"A Match into Water† where a scene in which a man who lost his girlfriend to suicide is begging for her back, saying it wasn’t her time yet. We will write a custom essay sample on Collide With the Sky by Pierce the Veil or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The album ends with â€Å"Hold on Till May† in which Vic Fuentes, the lead vocalist, sings about trying to talk a girl out of harming herself; the perfect end to a perfect album. Compared to their last album Selfish Machines Pierce the Veil has really out done themselves. Of course their first album was great, but Collide With the Sky just really blew me away. The order of songs that the album goes in is even well thought out. The songs begin fairly heavy, the kind that make you want to sing and dance along with all of your friends. The album ends with slower, more soothing songs that make you feel cared for and loved. The album art (as seen to the right) for Collide With the Sky is just as impressive as the album itself. The message that is trying to be depicted is to rise above the ground that is breaking under your feet. So when chaos comes into your life, do not let it destroy you. I would definitely recommend this fantastic album, it is worth the money! It is not for everyone though, consider it is rock music. It takes an acquired taste to love this genre. These songs are aimed mainly towards teenagers who are going through rough patches in their lives. So, buying a teen who has been through a lot with rock music by my side, there’s never a second that I would not want to listen to Collide With the Sky. Collide With The Sky by Pierce The Veil free essay sample Pierce the Veil has grown both in their music and as people, contributing new sounds to the bands latest album, â€Å"Collide With the Sky.† Still under the support of Equal Vision Records, the band has shown a heavier side in their new album. Lead vocalist Vic Fuentes adds deeper tones to some songs, while still maintaining his signature high- ­octave screams and shrieks, as guitarists Tony Perry and Jaime Preciado stun listeners with electrifying bass and guitar chords, and drummer Mike Fuentes contributes heavy, raw rhythm. While touring with metal bands with heavier sounds, Pierce the Veil may have been inspired to add some rougher sounds to this album. With songs like â€Å"Bulls in the Bronx† (inspired by a tragic event involving a girls recent suicide) and â€Å"One Hundred Sleepless Nights,† listeners will not be disappointed by the dynamic sound. PTV has always been known for sounding great together, but â€Å"Collide With the Sky† really showcases the bands teamwork. We will write a custom essay sample on Collide With The Sky by Pierce The Veil or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They create a unique sound that no other band can replicate. Fans will also be excited to hear â€Å"King for a Day† featuring Kellin Quinn (from Sleeping With Sirens). This has been a long-anticipated song; the collaboration between Quinn and Pierce the Veil was helped along by fans on Twitter. This song is a gift from Pierce the Veil to fans, also sending an anti-bullying message. With emotionally dynamic, moving lyrics, the songs on this album prove Vic Fuentes to be a genius songwriter and show major progress since the bands freshman release in 2007, â€Å"A Flair for the  ­Dramatic.† â€Å"Collide With the Sky† is Pierce the Veils best album yet, displaying musical variety and the bands pure talent for creating distinct sounds. PTV has made yet another lasting impression on the post-hardcore music genre.