Allusions Flashcards
Noble Savage
Concept in philosophy associated with the French Philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau. believed people born good and innocent but influences from civilization caused them to lose goodness and innocence.
TPRT: Person who hasn’t been corrupted by society or civilization.
Fiddle While Rome Burns
During Nero’s reign as emperor a fire consumed half of Rome Legend is Nero showed complete indifference, playing his violin during the emergency.
TPRT: To display indifference in the midst of emergency or disaster.
In Medias Res
Latin for “into the middle of things.” Standard epic convention is that the epic begins in the middle of action.
TPRT: Anything that begins abruptly in the middle of action.
Magnum Opus
Latin for “ Great Work.” Opus is plural for opera.
TPRT: The greatest work produced by a writer, composer or other artist.
White Elephant
Albino?White elephants do occur from time to time in India, Asia, and Africa. Because they’re rare?special not have to work like other elephants. Legend says (siam?thailand) these elephants are so valuable that any born were property of King. King realized that feeding huge animal is costly especially since they don’t bring in any income. this the King started giving them to people he was mad at. Burden of feeding them with no income from work brought financial ruin to the recipient of the gift.
TPRT: An object that has no use to its owner and may even represent financial burden? inconvenience.
Sword of Damocles
damocles was a courtier of a greek king. He constantly flattered the King by speaking of what a wonderful life the King led tired of the flattery the King held a banquet and Damocles was seated in the King’s own chair under a sword suspended by a single thread. The King wanted Damocles to experience what it really felt like to be King. Along with the privileges of kingship the King was constantly aware of dangers and thus was never at ease.
TPRT: An awareness impending or imminent dangers.
Svengali
nameName of character in Trilby, a novel by George du maurier. A singing master who teaches Trilby to sing. He exercises absolute control over her, and when he dies Trilby can no longer sing.
TPRT: A person who exercises excessive control/influence over another person.
Tantalus
Greek Myth. Tantalus king offended gods condemned, suffered eternal hunger and thirst, stood in water up to chin, bent to drink, waters receded. Ripe fruit overhead, reached for piece, wind blew bough out of reach.
TPRT: To be offered something desirable which is then withheld.
Waterloo
In 1815 battle of waterloo fought over village of Waterloo, now in Belgium. Final battle of Napoleonic Wars where Napoleon was finally defeated.
TPRT: To suffer an ultimate decisive defeat.
Deux ex Machina
god from the Machane (latin). In classical theater Machane was crane with harness for actor. Actor could be bellowed from ceiling appearing to fly. Many classical plays god unexpectedly appears and solves hopeless problems and saves hero or heroine.
TPRT: Any surprising turn of events that makes things turn out alright, often considered unsatisfying overly convenient to end a story.
Ivory Tower
A french poet, Alfred de Vigny, was said to have shut himself up in an Ivory Tower to compose his poems. Ivory Tower is also mentioned in various 18th century fairy tales.
TPRT: A person who is secluded or protected from the real world, and thus out of touch with reality is said to be living in an Ivory Tower.
Read the Riot Act
Under English Common law an unruly crowd had to be read the riot act before any action could be taken against them. Passed in 1715.
TPRT: A stern warning that if unacceptable behavior does not cease severe consequences will follow.
Gordian Knot
According to the legend Gordius was a Greek King, tied a complicated knot. Oracle prophesied whoever untied it rule all of Asia. Alexander the Great “untied” knot cut through it with his sword.
TPRT: extremely complex problem: (solving the Gordian Knot) solving a problem in a quick manner.
Crocodile Tears
Crocodiles were thought to shed tears before devouring prey. Crocodiles have small ducts in corner of eyes release tears when they open jaw.
TPRT: To show false sympathy for someone.
Crossing the Rubicon
After Gallic wars Caesar ordered home by enemies in Senate. Travelled south toward Italy. Rubicon, northern boundary of Italy. General forbidden from entering Italy with army. Caesar led army across river causing Civil War. After crossing river no turning back.
TPRT: Irreversible step, may involve danger.
