Download Allusions

English 9, Mathews
Name ______________________________________
Mythology
Allusions
Allusion (a-LOO-zhuhn): a reference in a literary work to a person, place, or thing in history or another work of
literature. Allusions are often indirect or brief references to well-known characters or events.
Specific examples of allusions can be found throughout Dante’s Inferno. In a passage, Dante alludes to the Greek
mythological figures, Phaethon and Icarus, to express his fear as he descends from the air into the eighth circle of
hell. He states:
I doubt if Phaethon feared more - that time
he dropped the sun-reins of his father's chariot
and burned the streak of sky we see today or if poor Icarus did - feeling his sides
unfeathering as the wax began to melt,
his father shouting: "Wrong, your course is wrong" (Canto XVII: 106-111).
Allusions are often used to summarize broad, complex ideas or emotions in one quick, powerful image. For
example, to communicate the idea of self-sacrifice one may refer to Jesus, as part of Jesus' story portrays him
dying on the cross in order to save mankind (Matthew 27:45-56). In addition, to express righteousness, one might
allude to Noah who "had no faults and was the only good man of his time" (Genesis 6:9-22). Furthermore, the
idea of fatherhood or patriarchal love can be well understood by alluding to Abraham, who was the ancestor of
many nations (Genesis 17:3-6). Finally, Cain is an excellent example to convey banishment, rejection, or evil, for
he was cast out of his homeland by God (Genesis 4:12). Thus, allusions serve an important function in writing in
that they allow the reader to understand a difficult concept by relating to an already familiar story.
Helpful hits for annotating and looking for allusions:
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Look for repetition – words or phrases that resurface often
Look for any proper nouns (person, place, or thing)
Look for a simile or an analogy – (“X is as tall as Y”)
Pay attention to footnotes – they will often call attention to allusions
Ask yourself “What is the author trying to convey?” – paying attention to tone, mood, and plot will help
you narrow down the allusion.
Close reading
Characterization – allusions often help develop a character and give the reader a clearer understanding of
the character’s actions and personality.
English 9, Mathews
Mythology
Allusions used in the Harry Potter series
(Because Ms. Mathews LOVES Harry Potter!)
1. Remus Lupin, who readers were introduced to in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Remus' name is an allusion to Roman mythology. The founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were said
to be raised by wolves, which Remus' name and him being a werewolf allude to. Also, in Harry Potter and
the Deathly Hallows, while on “Potter Watch” his codename is Romulus, another direct allusion to this.
2. Sirius Black, who readers were introduced to in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Sirius alludes to astronomy and folklore both his name and anamagus form. His first name, Sirius, is
another name for the "Dog Star," part of the constellation Canis Major, otherwise known as the "Great
Dog." Considering his anamagus form of a great black dog, this fits extremely well. The fact that he is a big
black dog and is mistaken for the Grim is an allusion to English folklore, which the Grim is a part of. Also,
Sirius' father Orion could be alluded to being Orion the Hunter, another star.
3. Fluffy, the three-headed dog, who readers were introduced to in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Fluffy is an allusion to the mythological creature Cerberus in Greek mythology, who was a three-headed
dog that guarded the Underworld. Also, like Fluffy, the Greek hero Orpheus put Fluffy to sleep by playing
music on his lyre, just like Lord Voldemort/Professor Quirrel did in the book. Oh, and Hagrid claims he
bought Fluffy from a Greek man, which just further alludes to the myth.
4. Gryffindor House, one of the four houses at Hogwarts
The Griffin is a monster with the body of a lion, the head and wings of an eagle, and back covered with
feathers. Like birds, it builds its nest, and instead of an egg, it lays an agate therein. It has long claws and
talons of such a size that the people of that country make them into drinking-cups. India was assigned as
the native country of the Griffins. They found gold in the mountains and built their nests of it, for which
reason their nests were very tempting to hunters, and they were forced to keep vigilant guard over them.
Their instinct led them to know where buried.
5. Fawks, the Phoenix, who heals Harry’s Basilisk bite in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: Most beings spring from other individuals, but there is a
certain kind which reproduces itself. The Assyrians call it the Phoenix. It does not live on fruit or flowers,
but on frankincense and odoriferous gums. When it has lived five hundred years, it builds itself a nest in
the branches of an oak, or on the top of a palm tree. In this it collects cinnamon and spikenard, and
myrrh, and of these materials builds a pile on which it deposits itself, and dying, breathes out its last
breath amidst odors. From the body of the parent bird, a young Phoenix issues forth, destined to live as
long a life as its predecessor. When this has grown up and gained sufficient strength, it lifts its nest from
the tree (its own cradle and its parent's sepulcher), and carries it to the city of Heliopolis in Egypt, and
deposits it in the temple of the Sun.
6. Hermione, one of Harry’s best friends
In Greek mythology, Hermione was the daughter of King Menelaus of Sparta and Helen of Troy.
English 9, Mathews
7. Harry's scar
Mythology
The lightning bolt is a symbol of Zeus, King of the Olympian Gods.
8. Professor Minerva McGonagall, the Transfiguration teacher and Head of Gryffindor House
Minerva was the Roman goddess whom Hellenizing Romans from the second century BC onwards
equated with the Greek goddess Athena. She was the virgin goddess of poetry, medicine, wisdom,
commerce, weaving, crafts, magic, and the inventor of music. She is often depicted with an owl, her
sacred creature and is, through this connection, a symbol of wisdom. This may allude to the use of owl's
for the wizarding post throughout the series.
9. Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker
Argus may bring to mind the mythical Greek guard, who was said to have a hundred eyes.
10. Hermes, Percy Weasley’s owl
In Greek Mythology, Hermes was the messenger of the Gods.
11. Mrs. Norris, the pet cat of Argus Filch
In Jane Austin's novel Mansfield Park, Mrs. Norris is a very nosey and interfering woman.
12. Lily Potter, Harry’s beloved mother
The lily is often used to symbolize Christ. Lilly, Harry's mother, sacrifices her own life in order to save her
son and in doing so, teaches the world that love is truly the greatest magic in the world.
13. The Sword of Gryffindor's, which Harry pulls out of the Sorting Hat to defeat the basilisk in Harry Potter
and the Chamber of Secrets
Similar to Harry, a young Arthur pulls a sword from a stone in The Sword in the Stone.
14. Firenze, a centaur who leaves the Forbidden Forest in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to teach
Divination after Professor Trelawney is fired by Delores Umbridge
In Greek Mythology, centaurs are half men and half horse. The most famous Greek centaur was named
Chiron. He was a teacher to a number of Greek heroes, including Jason, Achilles, and Hercules.
15. Basilisk, the serpent that Harry defeats in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The basilisk is the Legendary king of serpents.