Directions: Underline the allusions in the following sentences, determine to what the writer is referring, and then determine a possible meaning for the allusion. The first one is done for you.
Example: The kindergarteners were frightened of the new principal who reminded them of Cruella DeVille.
Reference to: Cruella DeVille who was a very mean lady in the movie 101 Dalmatians
Possible Meaning: The principal is a mean lady
1. I hoped to sign the birthday card our team bought for Coach, but I couldn’t find a spot to sign my name because someone went all John Hancock on it and signed his name across the whole card.
Reference to: ______________________________________________________
Possible meaning: __________________________________________________
Reference to: John Hancock, a founding father of the United States known for his bold signature on the Declaration of Independence
Possible meaning: Someone signed their name in a very large and prominent way
2. Although the earthquake did a great deal of damage, it was nothing like the disaster of 9/11.
Reference to: ______________________________________________________
Possible meaning: __________________________________________________
Reference to: The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001
Possible meaning: The earthquake was destructive, but not as catastrophic and tragic as the 9/11 attacks
3. I poured myself a cup of coffee in the teacher's lounge and took a sip. It wasn't Starbucks, but the jolt of hot, steamy caffeine helped wake me up.
Reference to: ______________________________________________________
Possible meaning: __________________________________________________
Reference to: Starbucks, a popular coffee chain known for its high-quality coffee
Possible meaning: The coffee may not have been from Starbucks, but it was still effective in providing a caffeine boost.