Allusion Workshop

Allusion: (noun) an implied or indirect reference to another literary work or

event in history in literature. [Webster’s Collegiate]

Two basic sources from which writers, especially poets, draw allusions and
metaphors are the Bible and the ancient classical writings (mainly Greek and
Roman). Knowledge of the characters and stories contained in the Bible and
the body of myths and legends will add appreciably to the enjoyment of good
literature of all kinds. From the very beginning of the literary canon, writers
have borrowed characters, plots, and themes from these sources.

One of our on going units of study this year will be an allusion workshop. Every
week you are required to read the assigned literary work. On Friday, you will
submit a 5 inch X 8 inch ruled note card based on your reading that contains
the following:

1. Name of story
2. 50-word summary of the story
3. 100-word commentary on sources of conflict (man vs. self, vs. man, vs.
nature, vs. society, vs. the unknown) and how this/these conflict(s)
develop plot.
4. 100-word commentary on the themes of the work.

Remember, commentary means you can have an OPINION. It means you can
JUDGE. If you HATE or LOVE a story, GREAT! Now be an articulate critic and
tell me what aspects of that story elicit such a reaction.

You may use both sides of a card.

Grading Rubric for Allusion Workshop

30 points (A+) An awesome card! Filled with thoughtful commentary using

extensive evidence. Satisfies all requirements. Effective and thoughtful
analysis of plot. Responsible commentary of the piece.

27 points (A) A good card. Satisfies all requirements. Effective and thoughtful
analysis of plot. Responsible commentary of the piece.

24 points (B) A fair card. Thin on word requirements. Over-simplified analysis

and commentary on theme. Lacks evidence.

21 points (C) A poor card. Shows lack of effort and thought. A “lazy” card.

15 points (F) A mockery of Advanced Placement (AP) work.

Sources for Allusion Workshop

In order to complete this assignment, you will need to obtain a translation of the Holy
Bible that you are comfortable with and Edith Hamilton’s Mythology.

Week 1: The Garden of Eden (Genesis Chapters 1-3) Due___________

Week 2: Cain and Abel (Genesis Chapter 4) Due___________

Week 3: Odysseus and the Trojan Horse Due___________

Week 4: Noah and the Flood (Genesis Chapters 6-9) Due___________

Week 5: Daedalus and Icarus Due___________

Week 6: The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) Due___________

Week 7: Daphne and the Laurel Wreath Due___________

Week 8: The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19) Due____10/01/10
Week 9: Hercules Due____10/8/10

Week 10: Perseus and Medusa Due____10/15/10

Week 11: Echo and Narcissus Due____10/22/10
Week 12: Midas and the Golden Touch Due____ 10/29/10
Week 13: Abraham and Issaac (Genesis 21-22) Due_____11/5/10
Week 14: Cupid and Psyche Due_____11/12/10
Week 15: Joseph, his brothers, and the cot of many colors Due_____11/19/
Week 16: The Birth of Christ (Luke 1-2) Due_____12/3/
Week 17: Rescue of the Child Moses (Exodus 1-2) Due_____12/10
Week 18: The Burning Bush (Exodus 3) Due_____01/8
Week 19: The Passover (Exodus 12) Due_____01/15

Week 20: Passage through the Red Sea (Exodus 14) Due_____01/29
Week 21: Arachne and Athena Due___________
Week 22: Samson and the Philistines (Judges 13-16) Due___________
Week 23: Paris and the Golden Apple Due___________
Week 24: Theseus Due___________
Week 25: Book of Ruth (Bible) Due___________
Week 26: Jesus and Lazarus (John 11) Due___________
Week 27: David and Johnathon (Samuel 18-20) Due___________
Week 28: The Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6) Due___________
Week 29: Pilate and Jesus (Matthew 27) Due___________

Week 30: The agony of Christ (Mark 14) Due___________

Week 31: Jason and the Golden Fleece Due___________
Week 32: Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25) Due___________