Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Allusions are references to well-known people, places, events, myths, or works of art within a literary work. They enrich the text by tapping into readers' prior knowledge and associations.
Related terms
Intertextuality: the relationship between texts when one text refers to or quotes another.
Parody: a humorous imitation of a well-known work, person, or style.
Homage: a respectful tribute or acknowledgement to another artist or work.