ALLUSIONS & IMAGERY

Allusion: a reference made about something or someone

usually to a mythology, literature, the Bible, religion, or history.

These references can be direct or indirect. Usually writers will not come out and say what they

are alluding to, so the allusion is lost if the reader does not know the reference.

Why Writers Use It: Allusions can help people see unique connections between two ideas. The reference can help the audience better understand a subject.

Can you figure out what these examples are alluding to?Carl tells so many lies his nose

should be three feet long by now!The cinnamon rolls were huge and

golden brown, reminiscent of the twisted buns on the sides of a certain Jedi princess’s head.

I'm no cowardly lion!

ImageryUse of descriptive words that appeal to the senses

(smell, sight, sound, touch, taste).

Examples:

o The lake was left shivering by the touch of morning wind.

o Her face blossomed when she caught a glance of him.

o The eerie silence was shattered by her scream.