Allusions: A Tool for the Well Read
I have often found that older authors, as in Shakespeare, Chaucer, etc. will make allusions that I do not understand. And, I believe that this stems from the fact that they are reading different things than I am, certainly because of the time period, but also because of what they read. As a Catholic, I would say I am fairly familiar with certain aspects of the Bible, but I don’t have nearly the same amount of knowledge as someone who has read the entire thing. For example, in Sound and Sense, I immediately got the reference to the Good Samaritan parable, but the story about Joshua was completely lost on me. Additionally, I often see references to novels or celebrities from years ago that I have never heard of. Yet, when I bring it to the attention of my grandfather, an avid reader himself, he immediately understands the allusions. This leads me to believe that many allusions are meant for the well read, and depending on the time period it was written, the allusions may only be understood by a certain age group. Therefore, I would say, that the more you read, and especially, the more you diversify your reading (different time periods, authors, genres, etc.), the more you will understand the allusions of all authors.
I feel the same way about allusions!! I feel like there are a lot of allusions that have completely gone over my head because of my age. I would also probably understand more if I read more often.
Allusions, like stated in Sound and Sense, can be dangerous if they can not be understood. I feel like more contemporary poetry, like that of rap and other music, has references we would easily understand. I think a great way to think of it is: if we played a modern song for a well-read person of the 1800s, they would most likely not understand the allusions, just as we do not commonly understand their allusions.
I can definitely relate to your feelings toward allusions! I’ll see the allusion (and half of the time not even realize it is one) and know that had I had more experience reading literature and being familiar with historical events, that I’d understand.
This is interesting Kyle how you can to relate and understand certain allusions because of your religion. I, a non religious person, do not understand the allusions to things in the Bible so for you to be able to shows a dedication to your faith which is awesome.