An allusion is a passing reference in a work of literature to other works of literature, myth, legend- even history. This introduces comparisons, contrasts, parallels and widens the frame of reference- readers or viewers can make links so that the thing that they are reading or watching becomes more easily placed or readily understood.
Shakespeare makes use of history, the Bible, classical legends and gods etc. This will need to be explained to the learners. Take them through a scene that makes use of allusion. Discuss in detail or do a jigsaw exercise providing an explanation for the allusion and how it fits to the plot, the character and the themes.
Ask them to discuss the kind of books, papers, stories, films that everyone knows about these days. Mind map the results. Ask students to consider how topical and cultural references that they understand make books, films etc easier to understand. Then ask them to change the Shakespearean scene so that it contains modern allusions with which a modern audience would immediately engage.
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