Daisy Miller

by Henry James

Daisy Miller: Allusions 2 key examples

Definition of Allusion

In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... read full definition
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Metropolis of Calvinism:

The narrator explains that Winterbourne is attached to Geneva, metaphorically referring to it as "the little metropolis of Calvinism." At the core of this metaphor is an allusion to John Calvin, a central figure in the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland and France. Calvin spent much of his life and did much of his work in Geneva.

Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—The Infant Hannibal:

When Winterbourne re-encounters the Miller family in Rome, Randolph tells him that he hates the Italian city. Winterbourne uses a simile in his response to Randolph's fierce opinion, telling him he is "like the infant Hannibal."

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