Allusion Worksheets - 15 Worksheets Library - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step. The task is to identify the source of each common allusion — that is, where the reference originates from: the Bible, literature, history, or Greek myth.

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1. "Don't go in that classroom. It's Lord of the Flies in there."

- "Lord of the Flies" is a famous novel by William Golding.
- This is a literary work, so the allusion comes from literature.
✔ Answer: B. Literature

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2. "The committee is Stonewalling our proposal."

- "Stonewalling" refers to deliberately obstructing or delaying action, often used in political or legal contexts.
- The term originated from historical events, particularly during the 19th century when politicians would "stone wall" (i.e., build walls of stones) to block progress.
- It’s associated with political history, especially U.S. politics.
✔ Answer: C. History

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3. "Who do you think you are, Cinderella?"

- Cinderella is a well-known fairy tale character, originally from European folklore.
- The story has been adapted in many forms but is considered part of literature (especially children’s literature and fairy tales).
✔ Answer: B. Literature

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4. "I don't want to become a babble."

- Wait — this seems like a typo. Likely meant to be "Babbitt".
- "Babbitt" is a novel by Sinclair Lewis, about a conformist businessman in the 1920s.
- The term "Babbitt" became synonymous with a dull, materialistic middle-class person.
- So, it's a reference to literature.
✔ Answer: B. Literature

> Note: If it truly says "babble", that would refer to "the Tower of Babel" from the Bible, but given context and common usage, "Babbitt" is more likely intended.

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5. "My brother has always been the prodigal son."

- The Prodigal Son is a parable told by Jesus in the New Testament (Luke 15:11–32).
- This is a direct reference to the Bible.
✔ Answer: A. The Bible

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6. "My new neighbor is a real harpy."

- A harpy is a mythical creature from Greek mythology — half-woman, half-bird, known for being fierce and greedy.
- The word is used metaphorically to describe someone who is cruel or nagging.
- Origin: Greek myth
✔ Answer: D. Greek myth

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7. "No one could win an election with that Machiavellian platform."

- Machiavellian comes from Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian philosopher and author of *The Prince*, a political treatise on power and manipulation.
- His name became synonymous with cunning, deceitful politics.
- This is a reference to history (specifically Renaissance political thought).
✔ Answer: C. History

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8. "My brother has come under the influence of a Svengali."

- Svengali is a character from the 1894 novel *Trilby* by George du Maurier.
- He is a hypnotic manipulator who controls others.
- The term "Svengali" is now used to describe someone who exerts undue influence over another.
- This is a literary reference.
✔ Answer: B. Literature

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✔ Final Answers:

1. B. Literature
2. C. History
3. B. Literature
4. B. Literature *(assuming "Babbitt")*
5. A. The Bible
6. D. Greek myth
7. C. History
8. B. Literature

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📝 Explanation Summary:

An allusion is a brief reference to a person, place, event, or literary work that the audience is expected to recognize. The sources are categorized as:
- The Bible: Religious stories (e.g., Prodigal Son)
- Literature: Books, novels, plays (e.g., Lord of the Flies, Babbitt, Svengali)
- History: Real historical figures or events (e.g., Machiavelli, Stonewalling)
- Greek Myth: Myths from ancient Greece (e.g., Harpy)

This worksheet helps students recognize cultural references and understand their origins.