ABSTRACT
An allusion differs from a quotation in that it is worked into the text without any indication that it is taken from or modelled on a source. An allusion in English therefore can be esoteric, directed to a selected audience. On the one hand it may pass unrecognised, but on the other it can be a source of embarrassment to someone who realises they have not picked up on an allusion, more so if they realise they are missing a whole class of allusions. An allusion is like a clue in a cryptic crossword or a quiz question. Those making the allusion get some satisfaction from exercising their knowledge and testing the knowledge of their audience and the audience gets satisfaction from picking up on the reference. Ideally, an allusion has to be original, but some allusions are in danger of becoming cliches.
