Download myth allusion prac - Shoreline School District

ALLUSIONS An ALLUSION is a figure of speech that makes brief and indirect reference to mythology,
literature or history. Its purpose is to connect something to that reference to add meaning
and emotional tone.
TONE is the emotional attitude of language. It might be formal, informal, serious, playful,
sarcastic, warning, welcoming, happy, or sad. It might be described by any emotion word.
You will see allusions to mythology frequently in literature, non-fiction, and popular culture. Allusions to
Greek and Roman mythology are very common in literature, but especially in European and American
literature. In fact this is the main reason that we study mythology. On the mythology exam, you will write
an explanation of how allusion to classical mythology is used in another piece of writing.
Example:
“Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut
our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us
into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for
liberty?”
Patrick Henry, “Speech to the Virginia Convention,” March 1775
Identify the Myth in the Allusion: worth 2 points
Sirens are the female creatures that live on an island and sing to sailors. No one knows what they look
like. Sailors are magically drawn to the voices and bring their ships too close to land, wrecking them on
the rocky shores of the island
Meaning and Purpose of the Allusion: worth 2 points
Patrick Henry is trying to say that hope is like a Siren because it will cause us to believe something that is
impossible. He is trying to warn the Virginia Convention that they must not be tempted by “illusions of
hope” that England will give us freedom without a fight.
Emotional Tone: worth 1 point
The emotion suggested in this allusion is urgency! Since we will be destroyed if we believe this, Patrick
Henry wants the Virginia Convention to act now to defend their liberty.
NOW:
In a paragraph on a SEPARATE piece of paper, explain the meaning of the allusion in
“Sonnet 38” by Shakespeare. In one paragraph, 1) identify the myth in the allusion, 2) explain the
meaning or purpose of the allusion, and 3) describe the emotional tone.
“Be thou the tenth Muse, ten times more in worth
Than those old nine which rhymers invocate;
invocate- to call on as in prayer
And he that calls on thee, let him bring forth
Eternal numbers to outlive long date.”
William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 38”