Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam 2026 - Free AP English Literature Practice Questions and Study Guide

When an author references a commonly known event, person, or piece of literature, they are employing the literary device known as allusion. This technique allows the writer to enrich the text by invoking shared cultural knowledge. By alluding to recognizable subjects, the author can create deeper meaning or evoke particular feelings without the need for extensive explanation.

For instance, if a character in a novel references a famous historical battle or quotes a line from a well-known poem, the reader draws on their existing understanding of that context, which enhances their engagement with the text. This connection can create layers of significance that contribute to the themes or emotions the author is conveying.

The other options do not accurately describe this practice. Allegory refers to a narrative with a deeper moral or political meaning, ambiguity involves unclear or vague language, while anachronism pertains to something that is out of its proper time period. Allusion, however, specifically captures the act of referencing something known, making it the correct choice.