1. Allusion

2.  An allusion is a brief reference to a person, event, or place, real or fictitious, or to a work of art.  Casual reference to a famous historical or literary figure or event.  An allusion may be drawn from history, geography, literature, or religion.  Example:  "He was a Good Samaritan yesterday when he helped the lady start her car."  This refers to the Biblical story of the Good Samaritan.

3. Don’t get confused…  An allusion is a reference, something you allude to: "Her allusion to flowers reminded me that Valentine's Day was coming."  Don't confuse this with illusion. An illusion is a mirage, hallucination, or a magic trick.  *Think "Doesn't being fooled just make you ill?"

4. Allusions can help writers in several different ways:  Allusions engage the reader and will often help the reader remember the message or theme of the passage.  Allusions allow the writer to give an example or get a point across without going into a lengthy explanation.  However, an allusion won't work unless the reader knows about the story or event that is referenced.

5. Identify the allusions in the following quotes:  "I was surprised his nose was not growing like Pinocchio's.“  "When she lost her job, she acted like a Scrooge, and refused to buy anything that wasn't necessary."

6.  "He was a real Romeo with the ladies.“  "Chocolate was her Achilles' heel"

7. Find the allusion:  "Cole couldn't believe his parents were letting this happen to him. What jerks! He hated his parents. His mom acted like a scared Barbie doll, always looking good but never fighting back or standing up to anyone. His dad was a bullheaded drinker with a temper. He figured everything was Cole's fault. Why wasn't his room clean? Why hadn't he emptied the garbage? Why hadn't he mowed the lawn? Why was he even alive?"

8. Find the allusion:  "'Talk is cheap. They want you to walk your talk.' 'How can I prove anything sitting in this stinking place?' 'Think about it, Einstein. What if it turns out you're nothing more than a baby-faced con? What then?' Garvey threw up his hands."