Source: Jean Hilaire Aubame and Walter Scheel, Mfield, Wikimedia Commons
Writers sometimes summarize big ideas or complex emotional issues by alluding to a piece of art, a piece of literature, or a real event. By using allusions to convey their messages, writers or speakers enable us to feel more connected to what is being read or heard. Here is an example of how allusion can provide clues to the meaning of a statement:
Speaker 1: “Why don’t you just go ahead with the case against him?”
Speaker 2: “I would, but going after this guy will be opening up Pandora’s Box.”
Notice that the second speaker alludes to Pandora’s Box. According to Greek legend, Pandora was the first woman on earth. As such, the gods granted her many gifts, among them curiosity. Because the gods liked to test people, Pandora was given a box that she was forbidden to open. Pandora tried to avoid opening the box, but her curiosity got the better of her. When she opened it, all of the evils and troubles of the world rushed out. Amazed, Pandora was slow to close the lid but did so in time to save “Hope”—the last item in the box.
By making the allusion to Pandora’s Box, the second speaker has informed the audience that opening up the case referenced by the first speaker will create too many problems. The allusion to Pandora’s Box allows the speaker to paint a clear picture of the problem without having to go into specifics.