What type of figurative language is used in the following sentence?
“Sounds like the Arabian Nights,” said Mrs. White, as she rose and began to set the supper
allusion
metaphor
euphemism
personification
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is allusion.
An allusion is a reference to another work of literature, person, event, or place, either directly or indirectly. In this case, the phrase “Sounds like the Arabian Nights” is an allusion because it refers to the famous collection of Middle Eastern folk tales, One Thousand and One Nights, commonly known as Arabian Nights. The reference to this collection invokes the idea of exotic and mysterious tales, often full of adventure and intrigue. Mrs. White’s use of this phrase suggests that the situation or the environment she is describing shares qualities with the stories from Arabian Nights, such as a sense of mystery or excitement.
By using this allusion, the speaker connects the current scene to a broader cultural or literary context. This allows the audience to quickly understand the kind of atmosphere or feeling being conveyed without requiring detailed explanation. The mention of Arabian Nights evokes vivid imagery of the fantastical and adventurous elements that are often associated with the stories in that collection.
Allusions are commonly used in literature and speech because they make it easier to convey complex ideas or evoke emotions by referencing something familiar to the audience. In this instance, Mrs. White does not need to explain the specifics of Arabian Nights because the reference is likely well-known, and it enriches the description by providing a shared cultural reference point. This helps the reader or listener draw connections between the current situation and the well-known themes of mystery, excitement, and adventure often found in those tales.