Common Allusions From Literature and History

Teach allusions first, then archetypes, then foreshadowing and irony. Use the archetype cards and the terms reference with a novel the class is reading.

Trace allusions like Scrooge, Romeo, Big Brother and crossing the Rubicon to their sources. The directions on the page read: An allusion is a brief reference to something famous. Find each bold allusion in the box. On the lines, write who or what it comes from and what it means in that sentence. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade figurative language, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

An archetype is a recurring character type or plot pattern found in stories from many times and cultures. The character sheets cover the innocent, explorer, rebel, shadow, herald and shapeshifter. The plot sheets cover the quest, rags to riches, voyage and return, overcoming the monster and rebirth.

The quest sheet lists the call, setting out, the helper, the trials, the goal and the return. Students read a story about a valley clinic nurse and write what happens at each stage. The stage list is printed on page 1 as a reference.

Verbal irony says the opposite of what is meant, situational irony is an outcome opposite to what was expected, and dramatic irony lets readers know what a character does not. Students circle V, S or D for each scene. They then write what was expected, said or believed and what is actually true.

Students read a story and look for a warning, an odd detail or a shift in mood or behavior. Three stories use a science fair, a chess tournament and a ferry crossing. On each, students explain what the clue hints at and how the ending shows it.