01-03-2026, 09:49 PM
Hello
Do you use allusion in your own writing? Do you enjoy when other writers use allusion?
Allusion is a deliberate reference to another work used to enhance a poem. I used to phrase that as another literary work but I have seen it used to effect with other sorts of art as well (think ekphrastic poetry)
I love allusion in poetry. The reason I think it is so strong is because of the power and efficiency of it. With a single phrase a poem can lean on a complete work, adding metaphor, tone, story elements, etc. If you use any programming languages, you can almost think of it like importing a library instead of writing all of your functions from scratch.
When do I think it works? I think it works when it is used to enhance a poem, when the mention directly leads to a more powerful or evocative poem and when it points or enhances the central metaphor. The piece alluded to should be well known enough that the majority of the poem reading public can recognize it and process it.
When doesn't it work?
I can use examples either from my own writing or from well known works and we can discuss what the allusion adds if there is any interest.
Thanks
Do you use allusion in your own writing? Do you enjoy when other writers use allusion?
Allusion is a deliberate reference to another work used to enhance a poem. I used to phrase that as another literary work but I have seen it used to effect with other sorts of art as well (think ekphrastic poetry)
I love allusion in poetry. The reason I think it is so strong is because of the power and efficiency of it. With a single phrase a poem can lean on a complete work, adding metaphor, tone, story elements, etc. If you use any programming languages, you can almost think of it like importing a library instead of writing all of your functions from scratch.
When do I think it works? I think it works when it is used to enhance a poem, when the mention directly leads to a more powerful or evocative poem and when it points or enhances the central metaphor. The piece alluded to should be well known enough that the majority of the poem reading public can recognize it and process it.
When doesn't it work?
- When the understanding and enjoyment of the poem depends on the allusion - some readers may not get it. Also, a poem should be a discrete work, if it does not stand on its own, did you even write it?
- When it seems to just state "look at me, the author, I am so smart and well-read!" This is disruptive to the experience of the poem.
I can use examples either from my own writing or from well known works and we can discuss what the allusion adds if there is any interest.
Thanks