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Alliteration
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
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Stupidly Triumphant:
In the first line of the novel in Chapter 1, Grendel ponders a ram. The animal appears not to care about Grendel's presence, which frustrates him. Grendel describes him using a simile which makes allusion to Beowulf itself:
The old ram stands looking down over rockslides, stupidly triumphant. I blink. I stare in horror. “Scat!” I hiss. “Go back to your cave, go back to your cowshed—whatever.” He cocks his head like an elderly, slow-witted king, considers the angles, decides to ignore me.
Related Themes:
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—That Was A Good King!:
In Chapter 3, Grendel overhears "the King of the Shapers," the bard in the palace of Heorot, reciting a poem which was "arresting as a voice from a hollow tree." The Shaper sings the first lines of Beowulf, the medieval English poem on which Grendel is based. Grendel recounts the full opening of the poem, in Gardner's original translation of the Old English original:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Lo, we have heard the honor of the Speardanes,
nation-kings, in days now gone,
how those battle-lords brought themselves glory.
Oft Scyld Shefing shattered the forces
of kinsman-marauders, dragged away their
meadhall-benches, terrified earls—after first men found him
castaway. (He got recompense for that!)
He grew up under the clouds, won glory of men
till all his enemies sitting around him
heard across the whaleroads his demands and gave
him tribute. That was a good king!
Related Themes:
