Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

What does allusion refer to in literary works?

1. A long and detailed narrative

2. A brief reference to a person or event

3. An extensive description of a place

4. A direct quote from another work

The correct answer is: A brief reference to a person or event

Allusion refers to a brief and indirect reference to a person, event, place, or piece of literature that is not elaborated on in detail. This literary device relies on the reader's familiarity with the referenced material, allowing the author to evoke meanings or emotions associated with that reference without needing to provide extensive context. For example, if a character in a modern novel is said to have "met their Waterloo," it alludes to Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, suggesting a significant failure or defeat without requiring an explicit explanation of that historical event. This succinct nature of allusion enriches the text, enabling deeper layers of meaning and connection for the reader, thus enhancing the overall impact of the work.