Final answer:
Allusions in Shakespearean plays primarily include Roman mythology, Biblical characters and events, and the history of England's monarchy; reflecting the cultural and historical context known to Elizabethan audiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining allusions in a Shakespearean play, we find that they incorporate a rich tapestry of references drawn from various sources prevalent during the Elizabethan era. These include:
- Roman mythology: Owing much to the classic texts of the Greek and Roman canon, Shakespeare often imbued his plays with characters and scenarios reminiscent of these ancient mythologies, serving as a cultural touchstone for the highly educated audiences of his time.
- Characters and events in the Bible: Given the intense religiosity of the Elizabethan audience, biblical references were very familiar and served to provide moral commentary within Shakespeare's works.
- The history of England's monarchy: Being a subject under the rule of Elizabeth I, Shakespeare sometimes alluded to the lineage or events associated with English royalty, aligning with the historical context that his contemporary audience would recognize.
Therefore, American symbols, events like World War II (which occurred long after Shakespeare's time), and other anachronistic references such as American government symbols would not be found in his works.