Allusion is one of those very popular literary terms, with students and English teachers alike. It typically means to make a brief reference to a historical event or another piece of literature. However, allusion can also mean to make a brief reference to a person or a place as well. Shakespeare makes prolific use of the device, especially in reference to the Bible, which is why most public high-schools still make students read Genesis and Exodus.

Using allusion can be a very effective means of conveying information. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. started his “I have a dream” speech with the words, “Five score years ago…” What are you reminded of right away? It’s an allusion to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and so instantly conveys to the listener a huge amount of information without being verbose.

So have you ever used allusion in one of your poems or stories?