What is the role of allusion in unfamiliar texts?

The role of allusion in unfamiliar texts primarily involves referencing other works, events, or figures to add depth and provide greater meaning to the material. This technique can resonate with readers who recognize the alluded content, as it invites them to make connections and draw upon their own knowledge and experiences.

By enriching the text in this way, allusion can enhance themes, contribute to character development, and create layers of significance that might not be visible on the surface. It allows the author to convey complex ideas succinctly, relying on the reader's awareness of the referenced material to foster a deeper understanding.

While humor, criticism, and narrative simplification can be aspects of some texts, they do not encapsulate the fundamental purpose of allusion. Instead, focusing on allusion as a means to enrich meaning aligns most closely with its core function in literature.