Underline the allusions in the following sentences, determine to what the writer is referring, and then determine a possible meaning for the allusion.

Question

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: __________________________________________________

Answer 1

1. Reference to: John Hancock
Possible meaning: Someone signed their name in large, bold letters, referencing the famous signature of John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence.

2. Reference to: 9/11
Possible meaning: Referring to the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001 in the United States, implying that the earthquake, while damaging, was not as impactful or devastating.

3. Reference to: Starbucks
Possible meaning: Comparing the taste of the coffee in the teacher's lounge to Starbucks coffee, implying that Starbucks is considered to be high quality and superior in taste.