Allusion and Intertextuality
Allusion is a reference to another text, event, or figure; intertextuality is the way texts draw meaning from their relationships with other texts, enriching interpretation.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
An allusion is an indirect reference to a person, event, place, or text
Intertextuality is the relationship between texts and how they shape each other's meaning
Biblical allusions draw on stories and language from the Bible
Mythological allusions reference Greek, Roman, or other ancient myths
Recognising allusions deepens understanding of a text's themes and meanings
Key Vocabulary
Allusion
An indirect reference in a text to a person, place, event, or another text
Intertextuality
The relationship between texts, where one text refers to or is shaped by another
Cultural context
The cultural background and knowledge shared between writer and reader
Archetype
A recurring symbol, character type, or theme found across cultures and literature
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
A character described as meeting their "Waterloo" is an allusion to:
Question 2
Intertextuality primarily helps readers:
Question 3
When a modern novel references Romeo and Juliet to describe a doomed romance, this is an example of:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●An allusion is an indirect reference to a person, event, place, or text
- ●Intertextuality is the relationship between texts and how they shape each other's meaning
- ●Biblical allusions draw on stories and language from the Bible
- ●Mythological allusions reference Greek, Roman, or other ancient myths
- ●Recognising allusions deepens understanding of a text's themes and meanings