11/3/16 Lauren Mitchell

Today in class, we shifted gears from the previously made podcasts.  We started discussing the difference between an illusion and an allusion, and why allusions are so effective.  Mr. Rivers began by asking the class what an illusion is.  We responded by stating that an illusion is something perceived by our senses and is completely different than the allusion we learn about in english class.  An allusion is a reference to something in the past, whether it be historical or literary.  It was learned in class that allusions can be explicit or implicit.  Explicit, meaning the text/film states directly where the allusion came from, and implicit, meaning implied or suggested but does not state directly where it is from.  Then, Mr. Rivers threw a question at us that made us think some more.  What do allusions do?  We watched some clips of films that utilize allusions and then we were able to realize how they reward and define the audience.  It rewards the viewers by giving them a sense of satisfaction.  This can be done in different ways.  Through humor (makes the audience laugh), through honor (respects the past), and through parody (makes fun of things from the past).  Who the allusion is targeted towards and who should understand it is what define is meaning.  For example: in Wall-E, the children become the dominant audience and the parents become the subsidiary audience.  Lastly, at the end of class we wrapped it up by discussing how allusions are able to specify characterization.  They help give more details about characters, and allow the audience to understand information about these characters.  Class was very interesting today, and now we all understand why using allusions are a good idea.