Question

Eliot makes extensive use of this technique in constructing meaning. A brief reference to a person, place, thing, event, or idea in history or literature is called an:

Answer 1

An allusion is an indirect or implied reference within a literary work, which T.S. Eliot frequently employs to add depth and intertextuality to his poetry.

Step-by-step explanation:

The technique extensively used by T.S. Eliot in constructing meaning through brief references to persons, places, things, events, or ideas in history or literature is known as an allusion.

An allusion is an indirect or implied reference within a literary work to another work, person, or event without mentioning it explicitly.

This is a key component of much of Eliot's poetry, helping to create layers of meaning and intertextuality which engage readers in seeking deeper understanding of the connections.

For example, in 'The Waste Land', Eliot alludes to a myriad of texts, such as Dante's 'Inferno' and Shakespeare's plays.

This technique not only enhances the complexity of the poem but also situates it within a broader literary and cultural context.