Examples Of Allusion In Hamlet

Throughout Hamlet Act II scene ii readers can notice multiple references to Greek and Roman mythology. Without prior outside knowledge it would be very hard to find these examples of allusion. An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. Because Shakespeare does not go into detail about who or what he is alluding to it can be very difficult to understand or more importantly appreciate the literary device.

The first example of the allusion to mythology of Rome and Greece is Hamlet talking about a speech he wants the player to give. ‘Twas Aeneas’ talk to Dido and there about of it, especially when he speaks of Priam’s slaughter.” (Hamlet II,ii). To understand this allusion, you have to know who Aeneas was; he was a great hero of Troy who was the son of prince Anchises and the goddess Aphrodite. Dido was the founder and first Queen of Carthage. Priam was the king of Troy during the Trojan War. Later Hamlet says “The rugged Pyrrhus, he whose sable arms, black was his purpose, did the night, resemble when he lay couched in th’ ominous horse.” (Hamlet II.ii). To further understand this allusion, it is important to understand that Pyrrhus is the son of Achilles. Pyrrhus was one of the soldiers hidden in the wooden horse at Troy.

During the Trojan War the Greeks and Trojans were at a stalemate. The Greeks built a giant wooden horse and left it on the beach of Troy. However, there were soldiers inside that ransacked Troy when the Trojans brought the “gift” into their city. Priam is killed during the Sack of Troy by Achilles' son