New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is an allusion in literary terms?

1. A type of figurative language

2. A direct reference to the author's life

3. A brief reference to well-known people or events

4. A complete description of characters

The correct answer is: A brief reference to well-known people or events

An allusion in literary terms refers to a brief reference to well-known people, events, places, or works of literature. This device helps to create a connection between the text and the reader's existing knowledge, allowing for deeper understanding and engagement with the material. By incorporating allusions, authors can evoke emotions or themes that resonate with the audience based on shared cultural knowledge or historical context. In contrast, figurative language encompasses a broader category of literary tools, including similes and metaphors, which aim to create vivid imagery rather than reference specific subjects. Direct references to the author's life would be more autobiographical and are not categorized as allusions. Lastly, a complete description of characters involves detailed characterization rather than the concise nature of allusion, which relies on brevity and implicit meaning.