A Profusion of Allusions

Abraham and Isaac

In Genesis, Abraham was asked by God sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. Abraham made ready to obey. At the last moment, his hand was stayed By an angel of the Lord. Isaac was spared, and Abraham received the Lord’s blessing. The story is symbolic of the man’s will to make the ultimate sacrifice to demonstrate his faith and trust in God. It also Symbolic of the idea that faith shall be rewarded.

Absalom

In Samuel II, Absalom was David’s favorite son who was killed in battle while attempting to usurp, his father’s throne. David Grieved: “O My son, Absalom, my son, my son, Absalom!“ The word alludes to parental grief, and the lost and faithless son. William Faulkner used Absolom! Absolom! As a title of a novel.

Achilles

In Greek, legend, Achilles was the hero of Homer’s Iliad, who was the model of valor and beauty. He slew the Trojan hero Hector, but was himself in vulnerable to wounds because his mother Thetis had held him by the heel and dipped him in the river Styx. Later he was slayed by Paris, who shot an arrow into his heel, which had not gotten wet. Today, the term “ Achilles’ heel” Refers to the vulnerable part of a person‘s character.

Antigone

Daughter of Oedipus Who performed funeral rights over her brother Polynices in defiance of Creon’s order. Her story can be seen as a symbolic of the choice between the gods’ authority and civil authority, or the choice between justice and law.

Armageddon

In revelation, which predicts apocalypse, Armageddon is the location of the final cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil. The term is often used in literature to refer to an apocalyptic climax, or to a time of judgment.

Atlanta

In Greek mythology, she was a huntress who promised to marry any man who could outrun her in a foot race. She was defeated by Hippomenes, who threw three golden apples to distract her as she ran. She is the archetype of speed, strength, and daring foiled by a trick of the intellect.

Atlas

In Greek mythology, Atlas was one of the Titans who repelled against Zeus. As punishment for his actions, he was condemned to forever hold the heavens on his shoulder (literally “ Has the weight of the world on his shoulders?”)

Blind leading the blind

“And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” In the Bible, blindness frequently represents a lack of spiritual enlightenment. This particular reference from Matthew implies that wisdom cannot be obtained through the teachings of the enlightened.

Burning bush

In Exodus, God use this device to catch Moses’ attention when he wished to assign him to the task of bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. Because the bush burns but is not consumed, this tail symbolic of initial reluctance, followed by proof of an authoritative truth. The burning bush also represents physical proof of divinity.

By bread alone

In Matthew, Chris said “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word….of God.” In other words, not all human needs are met by food; human kindness is important too. (An example is Lear’s “O! Reason not the need” speech.) Also refers to the idea that faith can provide spiritual substance.

Cain and Abel

In Genesis, Cain murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy. This became a theological reference to innocent blood, and the archetypal brother versus brother conflict. Read East of Eden!

Camel through a needle’s eye

Jesus criticized the Pharisees for striving to strain out a gnat, yet being willing to swallow a camel. In Matthew and Luke, he stated that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven.

Cassandra

In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a daughter of Priam, king of Troy, who possessed the gift of prophecy but was fated by Apollo never to be believed. As an allusion, she represents an accurate but unheeded prophet of doom.

Cast the first stone

In John, a woman caught in adultery was to be publically stoned. But Jesus said, "He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her...." This is a warning against hypocrisy.

Daedalus and Icarus

In Greek mythology, Daedalus, the great architect, designed the labyrinth that held captive the Minotaur of Crete. Imprisoned along with his son Icarus, he designed wings of wax and feathers that would allow them to escape. Despite warnings not to fly too high, Icarus soared too close to the sun god Apollo. The wax on his wings melted, and he plunged to his death. It is symbolic of the danger involved in daring to enter "the realm of the gods." James Joyce's protagonist Stephen Dedalus, in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, dared to question the strict teachings of his Catholic upbringing.

Damocles, sword of

A symbol of impending peril in Greek mythology. Damocles was seated at a sumptuous banquet only to look up to see a sword suspended by a thread over his head. This spoiled his pleasure. In modern literary usage, the term indicates impending disaster.

Damon and Pythias

In Greek mythology, these were two inseparable friends who would lay down their lives for each other. They symbolize lasting friendship.

Daniel

This biblical hero was cast into the lions' den to punish him for his fidelity to his Christian God; he was divinely delivered. The tale of Daniel in the lions' den is representative of extreme bravery and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Daniel also interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream; thus, an allusion to Daniel in literature may also be interpreted as referring to an uncanny ability to "read the handwriting on the wall".

David and Goliath

As a young man, David slew the "giant" (6 feet 9 inches) Philistine champion, Goliath. The battle and victory became symbolic of the just defeating the unjust, despite the latter's superior strength Modern example: "Jack and the Beanstalk."

Dionysus or Baccus

Greek and Roman name, respectively, of the god of wine, revelry, the power of nature, fertility, and emotional ecstasy. He is usually thought of in terms of overuse or excess. Ancient drama festivals were dedicated to him. Today he is representative of the Nietzschean philosophy, the creative-intuitive principle. Modern examples: the movie Animal House.