Allusions and Why They're Used 10.31.19

We started off today by posting our halloween costumes that we’ve worn over the years on google classroom. After doing some math, we calculated that just over half of all our costumes have been allusions to pop culture. This means that they have been a direct reference to either a book, movie, show or other forms of popular culture. An allusion is a reference to events and things in the past. We allude to events and things that matter to what we are trying to say. Don’t get this mixed up with an illusion, which is just a trick or play on the eye. Allusions help make a connection to the audience outside of the text which makes the text much more engaging. Mr. Rivers explained the two types of allusions that can be used. The first is a critical allusion which is used for satire and criticizing what is being alluded to. For example, in the Simpsons, Bart wore mouse ears and stated, “Hey look, I’m the head of an evil corporation.” This is critical allusion because he is alluding to Disney and claiming that it is an evil corporation. On the other hand, a positive allusion, also known as an homage, is used to show respect to what is being alluded to. Mr. Rivers showed us a video of different allusions in Stranger Things to movies from the 80’s and 90’s. This helped us to understand what an allusion is and how it is used in movies and shows we watch. We started reading Ready Player One in class today. We got up to page 4 and have to finish Level 1 by Monday Nov. 11 which ends around page 168. When we come to school Nov. 11 we should have specific allusions we found in the book.