The Significance and Function of Allusions

"Using allusions" refers to quoting ancient books, famous sayings or proverbs in articles, speeches, dialogues and other language expressions to enhance the strength and depth of expression. As a rhetorical device, allusions have rich meanings and functions:

Quote authority: Classics and famous sayings often come from the speeches of ancient classics or historical celebrities. Quoting these classics can increase the authority of expression and make the views more convincing.

Highlight the theme: the rational use of classics can make the theme expressed in articles and speeches more prominent, because classics usually contain profound thoughts and wisdom, which can echo the theme and add a lot of color.

Enhance memory: Because classics are often the truth or wisdom that has been proved in history, using classics can help listeners or readers better remember the expressed content and leave a deep impression.

Reflect self-cultivation: To express one's views with classics requires not only a certain understanding of ancient culture, but also a certain degree of self-cultivation and wisdom, so the use of classics also reflects the self-cultivation and accomplishment of the author or speaker.

Improve the level of expression: Allusions are a higher rhetorical device, which can enrich and deepen the expression and improve the expression level of articles or speeches.

However, when using allusions, we should also pay attention to the following points:

Moderate use: the use of allusions should be just right, not too much, otherwise it may appear verbose or unnatural.

Appropriate context: the context of allusions should be consistent with the content of the article or speech, and can not be divorced from the context, otherwise it will easily lead to misunderstanding or incoherence.

Accurate citation: When using ancient books, make sure that the citation content is accurate, and avoid losing persuasiveness due to citation errors.

Consider the audience: the choice of allusions should be based on the cultural background and understanding level of the audience, so as to avoid the counter-effect because the classics are not understood by the audience.

Generally speaking, allusion is a powerful rhetorical device, which can increase the intensity and depth of expression and improve the level of expression. However, when using classics, we should be moderate, taking into account the context and audience, so as not to lose its original role, but counterproductive.