Question
Fill this in. Directions: Underline the allusions in the following sentences, determine to what the writer is referring, and then determine a possible meaning for the allusion. The first one is done for you.
Example: The kindergarteners were frightened of the new principal who reminded them of Cruella DeVille.
Reference to: Cruella DeVille who was a very mean lady in the movie 101 Dalmatians
Possible Meaning: The principal is a mean lady
1. I hoped to sign the birthday card our team bought for Coach, but I couldn’t find a spot to sign my name because someone went all John Hancock on it and signed his name across the whole card.
Reference to: ______________________________________________________
Possible meaning: __________________________________________________
2. Although the earthquake did a great deal of damage, it was nothing like the disaster of 9/11.
Reference to: ______________________________________________________
Starbucks, but the jolt of hot, steamy caffeine helped wake me up.
Reference to: ______________________________________________________
Possible meaning: __________________________________________________
Example: The kindergarteners were frightened of the new principal who reminded them of Cruella DeVille.
Reference to: Cruella DeVille who was a very mean lady in the movie 101 Dalmatians
Possible Meaning: The principal is a mean lady
1. I hoped to sign the birthday card our team bought for Coach, but I couldn’t find a spot to sign my name because someone went all John Hancock on it and signed his name across the whole card.
Reference to: ______________________________________________________
Possible meaning: __________________________________________________
2. Although the earthquake did a great deal of damage, it was nothing like the disaster of 9/11.
Reference to: ______________________________________________________
Starbucks, but the jolt of hot, steamy caffeine helped wake me up.
Reference to: ______________________________________________________
Possible meaning: __________________________________________________
Answers
GPT-4o mini
1. I hoped to sign the birthday card our team bought for Coach, but I couldn’t find a spot to sign my name because someone went all **John Hancock** on it and signed his name across the whole card.
Reference to: **John Hancock, the signatory of the Declaration of Independence known for his large and flamboyant signature.**
Possible Meaning: **Someone signed their name very prominently, taking up too much space on the card.**
2. Although the earthquake did a great deal of damage, it was nothing like the disaster of **9/11.**
Reference to: **The September 11 attacks in 2001 when terrorists attacked the United States, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction.**
Possible Meaning: **The earthquake was serious, but it didn't compare to the catastrophic impact and tragedy of the events that occurred on September 11.**
3. I was exhausted after a long night of studying, but I still wanted to grab a cup of **Starbucks**, but the jolt of hot, steamy caffeine helped wake me up.
Reference to: **Starbucks, a popular coffee company known for its high-caffeine beverages.**
Possible Meaning: **The speaker relies on coffee from Starbucks to provide the energy boost needed to stay awake and alert after not getting enough sleep.**
Reference to: **John Hancock, the signatory of the Declaration of Independence known for his large and flamboyant signature.**
Possible Meaning: **Someone signed their name very prominently, taking up too much space on the card.**
2. Although the earthquake did a great deal of damage, it was nothing like the disaster of **9/11.**
Reference to: **The September 11 attacks in 2001 when terrorists attacked the United States, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction.**
Possible Meaning: **The earthquake was serious, but it didn't compare to the catastrophic impact and tragedy of the events that occurred on September 11.**
3. I was exhausted after a long night of studying, but I still wanted to grab a cup of **Starbucks**, but the jolt of hot, steamy caffeine helped wake me up.
Reference to: **Starbucks, a popular coffee company known for its high-caffeine beverages.**
Possible Meaning: **The speaker relies on coffee from Starbucks to provide the energy boost needed to stay awake and alert after not getting enough sleep.**