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Allusion and poetry seem to go hand in hand each one makes the other
stronger. An allusion is a word or phrase designed to call something to
mind, without mentioning that thing explicitly. This something in poetry can
be anything, from another literary work, to the Bible, to popular events.
Read these examples carefully to see if you can find the connection before
it is explained:
Function of Allusion
The function of allusion is to add depth to a writing, allowing the author to
refer to certain people, places, things, or happenings in a round-about
manner, in order to create a more broad meaning. Allusions are
everywhere in poetry, if one just knows where to look!
In this poem, Frosts allusion to Eden strengthens the theme of the fleeting
nature of happiness. His mention of Eden shows that humans are often
their own downfall.
Here are two allusions: One to Pallas to show the burst of wisdom, as
Pallas is the Greek Goddess of Wisdom. The other is more obscure: Balm
in Gilead is an old statement that was used to ask if there was comfort in
the world.