You are learning that allusion is a type of literary device. Have you ever referenced art, literature, or a real event to tell a story? If you think you haven’t, read the following conversation between two students:

Student 1: “I couldn't believe that I lifted the heavy barbells high above my head in the weight room this morning.”

Student 2: “You're an Incredible Hulk for sure!”

Image of student weightlifting

Source: Lifting, kcolwell, Flickr




Allusion takes us from this image of a weightlifter . . .

A sculpture of the Incredible Hulk, looking huge, green, angry, and monstrous.

Source: Hulk sculpture, Madame Tussaud’s Wax
museum New York. Adrian8_8, Flickr





. . . to this image of the Incredible Hulk.

In this conversation, the second student enhances a story and shows the degree of the student’s strength by alluding to the Incredible Hulk. As you can see, an allusion can assist a writer or storyteller in making a story more meaningful by providing additional references that are either immediately understood or can be understood after doing a little research.

You may have already read allusions in advertisements, stories, or poems, or heard allusions used in movies or songs that refer to the figures that follow.

A photograph of Darth Vader, the chief villain in the Star Wars series. He wears a helmet that obscures his face, body armor, and a long cape.

Source: Darth Vader, Andres Rueda, Wikimedia




Darth Vader: a dreaded leader of the Galactic Empire in Star Wars

He is the personification of evil. He can also be seen as a good guy turned bad. Whenever you read a reference to Darth Vader, you should know the writer is alluding to someone evil.
Cupid: Classical statue of Cupid with his bow

Source: Cupid, Ricardo André Frantz, Wikipedia




Heracles or Hercules: a Greek and Roman mythological character known for his superhuman strength

Hercules was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods. Although Hercules faced many challenges that tested his wits, they more often tested his strength. When you see an allusion to Hercules in your reading, you should know that the author is suggesting strength and determination.
A marble statue of the goddess Venus. She is partially robed and wearing a crown.

Source: Venus in Neustrelitz, Ruchhoft-Plau, Wikimedia




Venus or Aphrodite: a Greek and Roman goddess known for her beauty

She is also the Greek and Roman goddess of love and was commonly referred to as the epitome of beauty. When authors write about love and beauty, they often allude to Venus.
A large statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro. He has his arms outstretched.

Source: Cristo Redentor – Rio, Sean Vivek Crasto, Wikimedia




Jesus: A Biblical figure known for goodness and self-sacrifice

Other figures such as Confucius, Mohammed, Mother Teresa, and the Dalai Lama can also be allusions for holiness and goodness.
Lifeboats from the sinking Titanic in an icy ocean.

Source: “Titanic Sinking,” Willy Stöwer, Wikimedia




Titanic: The Titanic was one of the worst nautical disasters in history. More than a thousand people died when the ship sank. (Perhaps you have seen the movie.) A writer’s alluding to the Titanic can suggest a horrible disaster, a terrible event, or anything huge or doomed.


Using a graphic organizer, write down some other allusions you may have heard. Click the link to open and download the graphic organizer. Type your responses on-screen or print this file and write your answers. When you are finished, return to the lesson. Graphic Organizer Instructions