1)As We Listen to Each Clip, Write Ideas of What/Who You Think Is Being Alluded To

Allusions Worksheet

An allusion: a brief reference to a person, event, place, or phrase. The writer assumes the reader will recognize the reference. For instance, most of us would know the difference between a mechanic's being as reliable as George Washington or as reliable as Benedict Arnold. Allusions that are commonplace for readers in one era may require footnotes for readers in a later time.

1)As we listen to each clip, write ideas of what/who you think is being alluded to.

Coldplay’s song “Viva la Vida”—

Taylor Swift’s song “Love Story”—

We even make allusions in certain idioms that we use every day.

2) Who do these phrases allude to/where do they come from? What do these mean?

-“Good riddance”

-“in a pickle”

-“mum’s the word”

Allusions in Into the Wild.Directions:Answer fully each question below in relation to either Thoreau or London.

1)Henry David Thoreau

a)Think of what you know about Thoreau’s life and his works. Why do you think Chris McCandless was so intrigued with Thoreau’s ideas? How are the two men similar?

b)Read the paragraph before Chapter 12. What do you think Thoreau means by “sincerity and truth?” How do these apply to McCandless’ journey?

c)Read the paragraph before Chapter 17. What is Thoreau’s message about nature here? Why do you think the author included this segment of Thoreau’s work?

2)Jack London

a)Read the passage before Chapter 2. What does London mean by “the Wild?” Why do you think this passage would have been appealing to McCandless?

Jack London wrote The Call of the Wild and White Fang—set in Alaska, but London never went to Alaska, doesn’t have the credibility

Like Hemingway, need to interpret

Hugely involved in Realism and Naturalism: humans will always struggle in this world usually with natural forces; pessimistic

“The wild” is viewed in a realistic perspective, negative

McCandless wanted people to be straightforward with him, he didn’t want anyone to be fake, he wanted honesty—he sees nature as friend and savage, he sees both sides

b)In chapter 5, the narrator states, “McCandless was so enthralled by these tales [London’s works], however, that he seemed to forget they were works of fiction, constructions of the imagination that had more to do with London’s romantic sensibilities than with the actualities of life in the subarctic wilderness.”

What is the narrator suggesting about McCandless in this passage?

What is your own belief of how London and Thoreau influenced McCandless’ actions?

Allusions can also help persuade a reader or provide a way of structure in this text. Comment on this.------