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Technique: Allusion

Effect on the reader: The quote comes from William Wordsworth's poem 'French Revolution' which describes the joy of freedom felt by the French when they rid themselves of an oppressive ruling class.
This shows the reader that the writer feels as though she had been tyrannised by her family and is now going to be able to liberate herself.
It also shows the writer's love of literature and writing.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Allusion enriches the text by creating layers of meaning; the reference to Wordsworth's 'French Revolution' is a powerful instrument reflecting the writer’s feelings of liberation akin to those experienced during the historical revolution. It also showcases the influence of the French Revolution on Romantic poets like Wordsworth and their legacy in literature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The technique of allusion in literature often adds depth to the text by drawing connections to other works or historical moments. In the case being discussed, an allusion is made to William Wordsworth's work related to 'French Revolution', which evokes the sense of freedom and the triumph over oppression. This allusion serves to underscore the emotional state of the writer and draws a parallel between the writer's personal liberation and the collective euphoria of the French people depicted in Wordsworth’s poem. The ability of the writer to reference such notable and historically significant works also displays a profound appreciation for literature.

Moreover, this represents Wordsworth's personal entanglement with the French Revolution, which had a profound influence on his poetry, as it did on many other Romantic poets. They often drew parallels between the struggle for freedom and their own personal experiences. Wordsworth’s tours in France and his witnessing of the revolutionary spirit firsthand had a lasting impact on his work, informing his poetic sensibilities with themes of revolution, love, and independence.

Reflecting on these matters, it becomes clear that the French Revolution not only inspired artists of the time but also provides rich terrain for writers to express their own quests for freedom and self-expression in later periods, exemplified by the use of allusion.

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