Allusions was not a part of language that was given much attention when I went to school. What I was taught was the topic of metaphors, and they are close enough for there to be an article that explains the differences, see Allusion vs Metaphor: Fundamental Differences Of These Terms. In fact, some of what I knew as metaphors might have been closer to allusions. However, not knowing much about a topic can be a motivation to learn more.
In this post, there are first definitions, then links to articles and books, followed by excerpts from the sessions that include or relate to the topic of allusions.
From Collins Dictionary there is:
The dictionary gives both the British English and the American English, not that there is much difference, but:
The etymology of the word allusion traces it back to latin allusio, a playing with, derived from alludere, to sport with.
Some articles with examples of allusions
A) Writing Tips Allusion Examples and Why You Need Allusion in Your Writing by Chelle Stein February 28, 2022 has in her explanation of what an allusion:
"an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly"
B) 300 Allusion Examples (With Sentences) Words / By Christopher who has divided the examples into categories.
C) 25+ Allusion Examples from Literature, Poetry, Film, & Life by Sarah Lentz on Oct 1, 2024, gives a different perspective on the meaning of allusion
About the use of allusion, this author writes:
Books about allusions
For other examples there are a few books and dictionaries available on Amazon. As an example, the Merriam Webster Dictionary of Allusions which gives some terms and examples even the preview, not that one can use a preview as a reference, but the examples are well explained. Several books are not easy to get, or costly, like Allusions in the Press: An Applied Linguistic Study. However, if one can find it, there should be many examples of how allusions are used by journalists, and public figures. One of the points brought up by Sarah Lentz in the articles I mentioned earlier was that allusion allows the author to add layers to his story. One author who did was James Joyce probably did. For help deciphering them, there is a whole book: Allusions in Ulysses: An Annoted List by Weldon Thornton. Another work that is rich in allusion is mentioned by the Wiki where one finds:
Wondering about the context that would compel Virgil to use allusions, the Wiki for Georgics has:
Next, a selection of excerpts from the sessions that relate to allusions directly or indirectly.
Tone things a bit and use allusions more.
Session 30 January 2021
Is that turmoil going to affect us directly here? - Very little as you are. But do not let your guard down. Strategic enclosure to the max. - Reduce agitation. It is mostly useless at this point.
Session 4 July 2020
Make it a point to keep a low profile from here on. Things are about to get stranger than you can imagine.
Session 27 September 2025
Again, for safety, keep a low profile on social media. Things are getting a little bit shaky. - Carefully as she goes!
What experiences have others gathered with understanding allusions, using allusions, or coming up with ideas for allusions?
When asking this, I'm aware responses could bring the topic into the field of creative writing, rather than being closer to linguistics, but if language includes practice of communication and analysis of content? Anyway, if it does not work out, the thread can always be moved.
In this post, there are first definitions, then links to articles and books, followed by excerpts from the sessions that include or relate to the topic of allusions.
From Collins Dictionary there is:
Under synonyms for allusion, there are reference, mention, suggestion, hint, implication, innuendo, intimation, insinuation, casual remark, and indirect reference.
The dictionary gives both the British English and the American English, not that there is much difference, but:
The entry for American English is similar but for 2. they have "an indirect reference; casual mention", their source for the American English entry is "Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 5th Digital Edition."
The etymology of the word allusion traces it back to latin allusio, a playing with, derived from alludere, to sport with.
Some articles with examples of allusions
A) Writing Tips Allusion Examples and Why You Need Allusion in Your Writing by Chelle Stein February 28, 2022 has in her explanation of what an allusion:
"an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly"
B) 300 Allusion Examples (With Sentences) Words / By Christopher who has divided the examples into categories.
C) 25+ Allusion Examples from Literature, Poetry, Film, & Life by Sarah Lentz on Oct 1, 2024, gives a different perspective on the meaning of allusion
The examples of allusions described in the article drawing upon themes in classical mythology, the stories in the Bible, poetry, history, literature, film & television, popular culture, and as they appear in everyday speech.
About the use of allusion, this author writes:
Books about allusions
For other examples there are a few books and dictionaries available on Amazon. As an example, the Merriam Webster Dictionary of Allusions which gives some terms and examples even the preview, not that one can use a preview as a reference, but the examples are well explained. Several books are not easy to get, or costly, like Allusions in the Press: An Applied Linguistic Study. However, if one can find it, there should be many examples of how allusions are used by journalists, and public figures. One of the points brought up by Sarah Lentz in the articles I mentioned earlier was that allusion allows the author to add layers to his story. One author who did was James Joyce probably did. For help deciphering them, there is a whole book: Allusions in Ulysses: An Annoted List by Weldon Thornton. Another work that is rich in allusion is mentioned by the Wiki where one finds:
Some of the above points might need examples for clarification, but the purpose of mentioning them was mainly to show that using allusions is a technique that was mastered by ancient authors.
Wondering about the context that would compel Virgil to use allusions, the Wiki for Georgics has:
How would a Virgil think about the times we live in, and how would he use his pen? It would probably depend on where he lived, who he really was, what he understood about what is going on, and what he would be writing about.
Next, a selection of excerpts from the sessions that relate to allusions directly or indirectly.
Tone things a bit and use allusions more.
Session 30 January 2021
What was being referred to above was from the following session, where there was:
Is that turmoil going to affect us directly here? - Very little as you are. But do not let your guard down. Strategic enclosure to the max. - Reduce agitation. It is mostly useless at this point.
Session 4 July 2020
And five years after "Strategic enclosure to the max" and "Reduce agitation. It is mostly useless at this point." there was:
Make it a point to keep a low profile from here on. Things are about to get stranger than you can imagine.
Session 27 September 2025
Later in the same session, the discussion shifts to some drones observed over northern Europe mainly, followed by quick insinuations from local politicians and their experts that Russia is implicated.
Again, for safety, keep a low profile on social media. Things are getting a little bit shaky. - Carefully as she goes!
What experiences have others gathered with understanding allusions, using allusions, or coming up with ideas for allusions?
When asking this, I'm aware responses could bring the topic into the field of creative writing, rather than being closer to linguistics, but if language includes practice of communication and analysis of content? Anyway, if it does not work out, the thread can always be moved.
