Literary notes about allusive (AI summary)
In literature, "allusive" serves as a descriptor for language or imagery that hints at associations beyond its literal meaning. Writers use allusive expressions to imbue their work with layers of cultural, historical, or symbolic significance without overt explanation. For instance, in narrative and poetic contexts the term denotes a subtle play of words and ideas that relies on the reader’s familiarity with broader literary or cultural references [1, 2, 3]. In other cases, allusive descriptions are employed in visual or heraldic designs to encode hidden meanings or puns that resonate with a well-informed audience [4, 5, 6]. Overall, such an approach enriches texts by inviting readers to explore connections and connotations that lie just beneath the surface [7, 8, 9].
- ‘Perhaps you might say a word or two more about Cyriac Skinner; one mustn’t be too allusive with general readers, their ignorance is incredible.
— from New Grub Street by George Gissing - Some persons grow angry with him for a certain tone of half-gay, half-sad, allusive tenderness, when he speaks of Oxford and the country round Oxford.
— from Visions and Revisions: A Book of Literary Devotions by John Cowper Powys - "To think of her," replied Septimus, vaguely allusive, "is a liberal education."
— from Septimus by William John Locke - Some, as Austria, instead of one Eagle, adopt two as their allusive emblazonry.
— from Reptiles and Birds A Popular Account of Their Various Orders, With a Description of the Habits and Economy of the Most Interesting by Louis Figuier - If that were indeed the case, the old heraldic coat of the house might be expected to exhibit an allusive scallop-shell.
— from Thames Valley Villages, Volume 2 (of 2) by Charles G. (Charles George) Harper - Here are some examples of allusive arms.
— from Peeps at Heraldry by Phoebe Allen - Henry James, Senior, dealt with such things in the most allusive and paradoxical terms.
— from The Letters of William James, Vol. 1 by William James - So, particularly without a proper name, in allusive style, referring to what is famed in story.
— from A Latin Grammar for Schools and Colleges by George Martin Lane - Of course, they are not ready for the indirect and allusive manner, nor for the lyric egoism, of the pure literary essay.
— from Literature in the Elementary School by Porter Lander MacClintock
