No, not “illusions”. Allusions. They’re references to history, mythology, or even other pieces of literature. They’re also known as “nods” to another author. Literary allusions can be fun just for the fact that we recognize them. Seeing an idea or quote in a work that you just know came from another somehow tickles the mind into saying, “I’ve seen that before. In such and such book. And how glad I am that I realized it came from somewhere else.”

 For many people, the best part of recognizing a literary allusion is the very fact that you found it. After that happens, you can try to learn from it by examining the allusion in both places. Does an author mention something going down a rabbit hole? I’m sure you’ll make a connection with a good ol’ classic called “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. Did two lovers die at the end of your book, in a most tragic way? It might be an allusion to “Romeo and Juliet” (which itself has many allusions to Greek mythology).

When writing, don’t forget this very handy tool. Allusions can help anchor your piece to another that someone liked very much. And that makes your work even better.