Bradford's allusion to Seneca is intended to convey the hardships experienced during the sea voyage and the subsequent feeling of relief upon reaching land.
Supplemental Knowledge
An allusion is a literary device in which an author makes reference to well-known people, places, events or works of art indirectly through textual references that add depth and context from these external sources. Allusions serve many functions in literature including emphasizing themes; drawing comparisons across works or ideas or deepening reader understanding of character motivations and more.
Seneca was an esteemed Roman Stoic philosopher well-known for his ethical works that championed rationality and self-discipline. When authors like Bradford make reference to Seneca, it often serves to bring attention to these philosophical topics.
Real-Life Connections
Imagine you're writing a speech about overcoming challenges. By drawing parallels between historic figures like Nelson Mandela or Mahatma Gandhi's lives and struggles and triumphs, and your audience's, this could give greater impact to your message and inspire audiences across the board.
People frequently use allusions in everyday conversations without realizing it; for instance, saying, "This is my Waterloo" refers to Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo and denotes facing an insurmountable challenge. These references help convey complex ideas simply while tapping into shared cultural knowledge.
Understanding literary devices like allusions can deepen your appreciation of literature and enhance your analytical skills. At UpStudy, we offer comprehensive resources that help you master these concepts effortlessly. Dive into our extensive library and live tutor question bank for personalized guidance on literary analysis and more.
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