Surfacing Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • Boswell, James, Life (4.35)
  • Burns, Robert (4.35)
  • Cowper, William (4.35)
  • Goldsmith, Oliver (4.35)
  • Johnson, Samuel (4.35)
  • Stephens, Peter John (12.63)
  • Thomson, James, Seasons (4.35)

Historical References

  • Canadian Nationalist Movement (11.49)
  • Eisenhower, Dwight D. (7.51)
  • Queen Elizabeth (13.14)
  • Adolf Hitler (6.37, 13.11, 15.33, 15.36)
  • The Industrial Revolution (4.35)
  • Queen Victoria (3.14)
  • The Treaty of Versailles (11.53)
  • Women's Liberation Movement (13.16)
  • World War II (throughout the text)

Pop Culture References

  • Daffy Duck (21.6)
  • Goofy (18.22)
  • Powell, Jane (5.5)
  • The New York Mets (15.30-31)
  • Presley, Elvis (3.3)
  • Woody Woodpecker (16.42)
  • Williams, Esther (5.5)

Religions/Biblical References

  • The Bible (4.35)
  • Jesus (3.11, 5.23, 6.14, 6.17, 12.28, 17.1)
  • Virgin Mary (6.19)
  • "My Brother's Keeper" (The story of Cain and Abel; 11.69)