Allusions are present in many stories, referencing actual people, places, events, art, and literature. They help to plunge the reader into the time period in which the story takes place. Allusions can reference the political, social, artistic, and technological influences that are present in the characters' lives and, therefore, provide greater insight into the characters' thoughts and motivations.
Allusions provide important connections for readers to understand themes and characters on a deeper level. However, they can sometimes be hard for students to grasp, especially if they do not have the background knowledge to understand them. That is why it is important to point out and delve into allusions when they appear in a story so that students can learn their significance, and then analyze how their meaning enhances our understanding of the point the author is trying to make.
A great way for students to keep track of allusions in a story is in a visual and descriptive way using storyboards! Using the example and template provided in this assignment, teachers can have students track the allusions and their context in the work, and then after researching or class discussions, have them integrate a new cell that explains how that allusion enhances the meaning or the events of the work.
Allusion Definition:
Allusions are references to well-known
To tailor or scaffold this activity, teachers may provide students with a list of allusions before reading, before a new chapter, or afterward. They may also edit the template to add more cells depending on how many allusions they would like students to identify. Teachers can add as many templates as they want for differentiation and student choice! Be sure to update the student instructions as necessary.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies allusions present in the book. Allusions are references to actual people, places, events or works of art or literature. Illustrate each allusion and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
Adapt allusion activities for grades 2–8 by simplifying references and providing examples from familiar stories or pop culture. Scaffolding makes abstract concepts more relatable and boosts student confidence in identifying allusions.
Start with allusions in fairy tales, cartoons, or popular children's books before moving to more complex literature. Connecting new ideas to known stories helps students grasp the concept quickly.
Create posters or digital slides that define 'allusion' and show examples. Visuals provide a reference point for students during reading and activities.
Think aloud as you read a passage containing an allusion, explaining what it refers to and why it matters. Modeling demystifies the process and encourages student participation.
Offer structured supports like sentence stems (“This allusion means...”) and relevant vocabulary. These tools help students articulate their ideas more confidently and accurately.
Have students identify and discuss allusions in pairs or small groups. Collaboration builds understanding and makes learning about allusions more engaging.
Allusions in The Grapes of Wrath are references to real people, events, literature, religion, and art that Steinbeck uses to deepen the story’s meaning. They help connect the novel’s themes and characters to broader historical and cultural contexts.
To teach students to identify allusions, provide examples, discuss their significance, and use activities like storyboards where students visually and descriptively track each allusion. Scaffold learning with templates, lists, or guided discussions to build confidence.
Allusions encourage students to make connections between the text and real-world events, enhancing comprehension and critical thinking. They reveal deeper themes and character motivations, making literature more engaging and meaningful for high school students.
A simple activity is to have students create storyboards illustrating each allusion found in the novel. Students describe the allusion, depict it visually, and explain how it enriches the story, making analysis interactive and accessible.
The Grapes of Wrath features allusions to religion, historical events, literature, and art. These references help place the story in context and highlight major themes such as struggle, hope, and social justice.