Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Historical references are allusions or mentions of real events, people, or cultural aspects from the past within a literary work. They provide context and enrich the story with historical significance.
An allusion is a reference to another work of literature, art, history, etc., often indirectly. Historical references can be a type of allusion that specifically draws upon events or figures from the past.
Cultural Context: Cultural context refers to the social and cultural environment in which a literary work is created or set. Historical references contribute to understanding this context by reflecting specific time periods and their influences.
Intertextuality: Intertextuality refers to the interconnectedness between different texts. Historical references can create intertextual links by connecting a literary work with real-world events or works from the past.