Definition
An allusion is a brief reference to a person, place, event, or work from history, literature, religion, or popular culture. It adds depth by borrowing meaning the reader may already know.
Example
Calling a stubborn leader a modern Cassandra alludes to the myth of a prophet no one believes.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Alluding to sources so obscure that most readers miss the point.
- Using allusions as a substitute for developing the scene itself.