Short Allusion Dictionary
by If you find yourself out of luck in finding information for your Summer reading project, just take a quick look at these. Remember, paraphrase! Don’t use what I say word for word. It could land you in a lot of trouble.
In practice: The Guy Fawkes feeling or allusion means something is lingering in the back of your mind. Like you have a feeling somethings amiss or something will go wrong, and you can’t do anything to dispell this feeling.
Crossing the Rubicon
Background info: Ceaser had crossed the Rubicon River, with the intentions of starting a war between Pompey and the Roman senate.
In Practice: It means to make a decision you cant take back, to pass the point of no return.
Holy Grail
Background info: The Holy Grail is cup or chalice in literature and Christian traditions, most often identified with the dish, plate, or cup used by Jesus at theLast Supper and said to possess miraculous powers. Brought into Great Britain byJesus’s disciples, it was used to carry Christ’s blood. It is also an important part of the Arthurian cycle.
In Practice: It is associated with something that can bring a person closer to divinity, something that is rare and mystically powerful.
Midas Touch
Background info: the Greek myth of king Midas who was granted a wish by the gods and prayed that everything he touch might turn to gold. It proved to be a curse, for food when it touched his lips would also turn to gold.
In Practice: Usually applied to someone who a wealthy, such as a successfulbusiness man, or someone who is lucky enough to be successful in everything they do. Also seen as someone who can seemingly make things seem better by just touching them.
Phoenix
Background Info: A Phoenix is a mythical creature believed to have eternal life by constantly setting itself on fire, and being reborn from the ashes. It is a reference to rebirth.
In Practice: It refers to spiritual rebirth, someone may say they feel like a phoenix after a terrible tragedy has happened, but they were given a fresh start on things. It’s a new beginning.
Solomon
Background info: The last king of a united Israel, He was seen as wealthy and wise. But, many people accredit King Solomon with the downfall of Isreal, for he turned his back on God. This is the reason why many people believe that it was his fault the kingdom was split in two.
In Practice: Someone who is usually good at problem solving, someone who is wise and great.
Sword of Damocles
Background info: A story told by Cicero, you come across two men named Damocles, and Dionysus II. Dionysus is rich, and powerful. His friend, Damocles is constantly remarking on his good fortune. Dionysus gets fed up and offers Damocles his position. Damocles readily takes Dionysus up on his offer. Damocles quickly realizes that amid the gold and the feast, there is a sword dangling over his head, ready to fall and impale him. He quickly wants to switch back with Dionysus.
In Practice: It is compared to something that is constantly in danger; imminent peril.
Liked it
