An allusion is a reference to well-known characters or events from literature, history, or another field of knowledge. writers use allusions to add imagery and emotion into their writing. for example, a writer could say, "he has the midas touch when picking stocks." king midas was a famous character from greek mythology whose touch turned items into gold. read the sentences below and explain their meaning based on the allusion in each sentence. research the meaning of any allusions that are unfamiliar to you.1. because of the determination of its people, the country rose like a phoenix from the ashes of revolution. a. what is a phoenix? b. what does this allusion tell us about the country? 2. his rise to become head of an international corporation is a real horatio alger story. a. who was horatio alger? b. what does this allusion tell us about the man’s success? 3. after working out at the gym, i felt like i could battle hercules. a. who was hercules? b. what does this allusion tell us about the speaker’s work out? 4. write your own sentence using an allusion:

1. (a) A phoenix is a mythical bird that symbolizes rebirth.

  (b) The allusion tells us that the country will become great once gain, rising from it's current low condition.

2. (a)  Horatio Alger was an author who wrote mainly about impoverished boys rising to higher ranks due to hard work, honesty and commitment.

  (b) The man's success is a result of his hard work, honesty, courage and determination.

3. (c) Hercules was a Roman hero and God capable of defeating anyone.

   (b) The speaker feels strong and capable of doing everything. He feels himself to be undefeatable.

4. Starting the game of chance was like opening Pandora's Box.

Explanation:

Allusions give reference to well known things, stories and characters from the past. From the above questions, the answers will be a below-

1. (a) A phoenix is a mythical bird that symbolizes rebirth.

  (b) The allusion tells us that the country will become great once gain, rising from it's current low condition.

2. (a)  Horatio Alger was an author who wrote mainly about impoverished boys rising to higher ranks due to hard work, honesty and commitment.

  (b) The man's success is a result of his hard work, honesty, courage and determination.

3. (c) Hercules was a Roman hero and God capable of defeating anyone.

   (b) The speaker feels strong and capable of doing everything. He feels himself to be undefeatable.

4. Starting the game of chance was like opening Pandora's Box.

glamis thou art, and cawdor; and shalt be what thou art promis'd; yet do i fear thy nature; it is too full o' the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way: thou wouldst be great; art not without ambition; but without the illness should attend it. what thou wouldst highly, that wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, and yet wouldst wrongly win: thou'dst have, great glamis, that which cries, "thus thou must do, if thou have it: and that which rather thou dost fear to do than wishest should be undone." hie thee hither, that i may pour my spirits in thine ear; and chastise with the valor of my tongue all that impedes thee from the golden round, which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crown'd withal.  

he lacks ambition.  

he is hesitant.  

he lacks courage.  

he has moral scruples.

faith or loyalty when pledged in a solemn agreement or undertaking.