Content
Theallusion it is a linguistic device (rhetorical figure) that refers to something without mentioning it directly. For example: The merchandise sold like hot cakes. (It is sold as easily as fresh bread is sold)
The allusion uses an example that serves as a reference. In order for the allusion to be understood, the sender must turn to the receiver's previous knowledge: the more knowledge and lexical wealth a person has, the greater will be their ability to understand the allusions.
The allusions serve to illustrate the idea that the issuer wants to communicate, as it happens with metaphor. In addition, they have an aesthetic objective: they are a tool to embellish the speech.
In an allusion, people, circumstances, things, animals, myths, works of art, etc. can be represented. For example: Their love was so deep that even Romeo and Juliet would have been surprised..
The verb "allude" is also used in formal language, as a synonym for "refer", "name" or "point out". For example: In relation to economic problems, the foreign minister alluded to the international context.
- See also: Rhetorical figures
Allusion types
- Literary or rhetorical allusion. It refers to an artistic reference, counting on the knowledge of the recipient. For example: Rodolfo has always been a bit like Peter Pan. (Peter Pan is compared to the eternal child)
- Direct allusion. The sender tries to rephrase a phrase understood by the general public. For example: Manuel was preparing himself for eternal sleep. ("eternal sleep" refers to death)
Examples of direct allusion
- Those women shopped and looked vultures ruthless when buying those holiday deals. (They were voracious buyers)
- They look like wild beasts for lack of manners. (They are rude)
- Juan was a Tiger On sales. (He was the best seller)
- It was one lamp radiant with ideas! (Had an idea)
- I know a girl from golden hair. (I know a blonde girl)
- And finally Jose put on the wooden suit. (José passed away)
- His devotion was such that it seemed the man's best friend. (It looked like a dog)
- His attitude of snake. (Crawled to get something)
- They spend it at the hairdresser like parrots. (They talk too much)
- Had become a amoeba. (Did not react)
Examples of literary or rhetorical allusion
- He was fast like Superman.
- Romina was worse than the cinderella's stepmother.
- The children seemed Hansel and Gretel.
- Julio reminded me of Hunchback of Notre Dame.
- She was a Goddess of Olympus.
- When angry, it appears Hulk.
- He woke up Sleeping Beauty!
- Is the Wonder Womanclean your room in record time.
- Is older than Tutankhamun.
- Pavarottithey said to Juanita.
- It can serve you: Allegory
