Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

In what way is an allusion different than a citation?

1. An allusion is not direct reference while a citation is a direct reference to someone or something specific.

2. An allusion does not indicate a source while a citation does.

3. An allusion is always marked with quotation marks while a citation is not.

4. An allusion is a comparison while a citation is not.

The correct answer is: An allusion is not direct reference while a citation is a direct reference to someone or something specific.

An allusion is different from a citation in that it is not a direct reference to a specific person or thing, while a citation is. Option B is incorrect because an allusion can indicate a source, but it is not a requirement. Option C is incorrect because not all allusions are marked with quotation marks, as it ultimately depends on the context and purpose of the allusion. Option D is incorrect because while an allusion can involve a comparison, it is not a defining factor for what makes an allusion different from a citation. Ultimately, the key difference is the directness of the reference, with an allusion being more indirect.