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Lesson 1:Language and Style Introduction

Vocabulary: Please write or type the definitions for each word below in your own words.
PLEASE DO NOT COPY and PASTE.

Allusion:

Figurative Language:

Connotations:

Interpret:

Lesson 2: Allusions and Figures of Speech

Allusion: (n) a reference to a well-known piece of literature, art, song, event, or person in a work of literature.
Example: His Goliath frame seemed to dwarf the other football players.
“Goliath” is a reference to a character who was a giant. This allusion tells the readers that the boy in the sentence above is much larger than the other football players.

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: ______________________________________________________
Possible meaning: __________________________________________________

3. I poured myself a cup of coffee in the teacher's lounge and took a sip. It wasn't Starbucks, but the jolt of hot, steamy caffeine helped wake me up.

Reference to: ______________________________________________________
Possible meaning: __________________________________________________

Multiple Choice: Circle the correct answer for each question.
Which of the following is most important in the interpretation of an allusion?
the attention of the reader B. the level of meaning
C. communicating effectively D. understanding the reference

2. Which connection must be made to interpret an allusion?

a personal connection between the author and the referenced subject matter
a connection between what is implied and what is referred to in the text
a connection between what the reader knows and what is referred to in the text
a personal connection between the reader and the author

1 answer

Lesson 1: Language and Style Introduction

Vocabulary: Definitions

  • Allusion: A brief mention or indirect reference to a well-known person, event, literature, or piece of art that adds meaning or context to the text.

  • Figurative Language: A type of language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words to create heightened imagery or express ideas in a more imaginative way, such as through metaphors, similes, or hyperbole.

  • Connotations: The feelings or ideas that are associated with a word beyond its straightforward definition; these imply positive or negative associations that influence how the word is perceived.

  • Interpret: To explain or provide the meaning of something, often by analyzing its components or considering context and implications to understand the underlying message.

Lesson 2: Allusions and Figures of Speech

  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, who is known for his large and prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence.
    Possible meaning: Someone signed the card very boldly or took up too much space with their signature.

  2. Although the earthquake did a great deal of damage, it was nothing like the disaster of 9/11.

    Reference to: The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which caused significant loss of life and destruction.
    Possible meaning: While the earthquake was serious, it was not as catastrophic as the events of 9/11.

  3. I poured myself a cup of coffee in the teacher's lounge and took a sip. It wasn't Starbucks, but the jolt of hot, steamy caffeine helped wake me up.

    Reference to: Starbucks, a popular coffeehouse chain known for its quality and specialty coffee drinks.
    Possible meaning: Although the coffee wasn't premium or fancy, it still provided enough energy to help the speaker feel alert.

Multiple Choice

  1. Which of the following is most important in the interpretation of an allusion?

    • D. understanding the reference

  2. Which connection must be made to interpret an allusion?

    • a connection between what the reader knows and what is referred to in the text