LITERATURE 7 REPORTING ENGLISH LITERATUR

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1. English Language Arts - Grade 10
IntertextualityIntertextuality
in Literaturein Literature

2. List some of the
ways in which an
author might draw
on and/or transform
source material.
Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives
Define
intertextuality and
explain the
difference between
explicit and implicit.
Analyse examples
of different types of
allusions, explaining
how they are used
to create or
enhance meaning.

3. An Introduction An Introduction
Writers are often inspired by the works of other authors. They might be inspired by a
general topic or theme, a specific character, a setting, a plot event or even particular
stylistic features. In these cases, writers might transform or adapt parts of a source text to
create a new text. At other times, they might reference a specific element of another text to
illustrate or enrich their own ideas. Analyzing how writers draw upon other texts can help us
better understand their purpose and meaning.

4. Intertextuality refers to the relationship
between different texts, where one text
references or influences another.
It is an intriguing aspect of literature that
focuses on the concept that no text
exists in isolation, but that all texts are
interconnected, woven into a complex
web of references, allusions, and
inspirations drawn from one another.
In this lesson, we will consider the
deliberate practice of authors referencing
quoting, paraphrasing or alluding to other
source texts in order to enrich themes,
enhance understanding or create multiple
layers of meaning within their work.
Defining
Intertextuality
Defining
Intertextuality

5. There are a number of ways that authors
might draw upon or transform source
material, through using distinctive,
common or recognisable elements of the
source text, to create their own unique
works. This can range from direct
references to subtle allusions all the way to
transformative adaptations.
Intertextuality relies on the reader having a
wide knowledge of texts so that they can
make connections between them. Through
intertextuality, authors engage in a
captivating dialogue with existing
literature, art, history, or even popular
culture, skilfully employing these
connections to enrich their own writing and
offer readers a multi-layered experience.
Defining
Intertextuality
Defining
Intertextuality

6. There are a number of reasons that authors might implicitly or explicitly reference source
texts in their work. They might do this to:
Purpose Purpose
Pay homage to literary predecessors
Enrich their message, perspective or
themes by exploring a similar idea
Make connections between common
values, attitudes or issues
Spark intertextual conversations
Challenge a widely accepted view or to
subvert a traditional idea or narrative
Make a reader think and re-interpret
meaning

7. Explicit
Intertextuality
Explicit
Intertextuality
Explicit intertextuality involves direct or overt references to other
texts. It occurs when a specific text or source is mentioned,
quoted, or paraphrased explicitly within a different text.

8. Direct
Quotations
Direct
Quotations
This refers to situations when a text directly quotes
another text, author, or character. For example, a
character in a novel may say, "To be or not to be, that
is the question," which is a direct quotation from
Shakespeare's Hamlet.
An example in literature is the novel Moby Dick (1851).
The author Herman Melville includes a range of direct
quotations in which whales are mentioned from various
sources including biblical passages, Shakespeare's
plays and descriptions from scientific treatises and
explorers’ accounts.
Another example is the poem, 'The Lovesong of J.
Alfred Prufrock' by T.S. Elliott which includes a direct
quote from Dante Alighieri's Inferno as the epigraph to
foreshadow multiple elements of the poem such as a
hellish setting, bad people who pretend to be good and
a concern for one's reputation.

9. AllusionAllusion
Allusions are one of the most common types of intertextual
reference. They are an expression designed to call
something to mind without mentioning it explicitly.
The word allusion comes from the Latin words allusio meaning
“a play on words” or “game”.
Most allusions are based on the assumption that there is a
body of knowledge shared by the author and the reader and
that therefore the reader will understand the author’s
reference.
Allusions can be used in a straightforward manner to provide
further meaning but it can also be used in a more complex
manner to make an ironic statement or to challenge or subvert
an idea.
Let's take a look at the four most common types of allusions.

10. An allusion to a religious text, story or figure.
Religious Allusion Religious Allusion
Example from the poem 'Nothing Gold
Can Stay' by Robert Frost (1923):
The poem is about the fleeting nature of youth,
beauty and life itself.
The poet makes an allusion to the Garden of
Eden, a biblical paradise described in Genesis
2–3 and Ezekiel 28 and 31 to reinforce the idea
that nothing pure, precious or beautiful can last
forever and that moments of paradise or
perfection are only temporary.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

11. The following list includes some of the most common
biblical allusions in literature. Choose TWO allusions
from the list. For each allusion, provide a brief summary
of the bible story it alludes to then explain the meaning
of the statement.
He's the Good Samaritan of our grade.1.
My footy team fought like David against Goliath. 2.
The park felt like a modern-day Garden of Eden.3.
After that out-of-control weekend he returned home
like the prodigal son.
4.
Her offer to help me with my homework was a Judas
Kiss.
5.
The principal wants my head on a platter.6.
He viewed other men's wives as forbidden fruit. 7.
In their academic pursuit, the two sisters became like
Cain and Abel.
8.
Biblical
Allusions
Activity
Biblical
Allusions
Activity

12. An allusion to a mythological story or figure.
Mythical Allusion Mythical Allusion
Example from the poem 'Heart of
Darkness' by Joseph Conrad (1899):
In the novel, the protagonist Marlow encounters
two administration women at the Company's
headquarters in France. Through their
description, he alludes to the Fates from Greek
mythology, three witch-like women who spin,
measure, and cut the thread of each human life.
Through this comparison he shows his feeling
that these women hold the power to determine
his fate.
"The two women knitted black wool
feverishly... a cat reposed on her lap... a wart
on one cheek... guarding the door of
darkness... Not many of those she looked at
ever saw her again"

13. The following list includes some of the most common
mythical allusions in literature. Choose TWO allusions
from the list. For each allusion, provide a brief summary
of the myth story it alludes to then explain the meaning
of the statement.
I'm trying to eat healthy but ice cream is my Achilles
Heel.
1.
The team put in a Herculean effort to win the
tournament.
2.
It's hot as Hades in this classroom. 3.
I've been hit by Cupid's Arrow.4.
He only started his business two months ago but he
seems to have the Midas Touch.
5.
By going through his phone you've opened Pandoras
Box.
6.
Her seemingly innocent offer turned out to be a
Trojan Horse.
7.
Mythological
Allusions
Activity
Mythological
Allusions
Activity

14. An allusion to a literary text or character.
Literary Allusion Literary Allusion
Example from novel, Jane Eyre by
Charlotte Bronte (1847)
In the novel, the protagonist, Jane makes an
allusion to the character of Bluebeard from a
French folktale by Charles Perrault that tells the
story of a murderous husband who has a locked
chamber filled with the bodies of his previous
wives. This creates an eerie first impression of
Rochester's mansion and offers subtle
foreshadowing clues about Edward Rochester's
dark secret.
"narrow, low, and dim, with only one little
window at the far end, and looking, with
its two rows of small black doors all shut,
like a corridor in some Bluebeard's castle"

15. The following list includes some common literary
allusions. Choose TWO allusions from the list. For each
allusion, provide a brief summary of the work it alludes
to then explain the meaning of the statement.
She's such a Scrooge when it comes to splitting the
bill.
1.
My boss is a regular Jekyll and Hyde - I can never tell
what mood he's going to be in.
2.
I know everyone's chosen the easier course but I
prefer taking the road less travelled.
3.
I told him to think things through but he's got a real
Icarus complex.
4.
I don't trust smartphones. Big Brother is always
watching us.
5.
The final exam week of the year is both the best of
times and the worst of times.
6.
Literary
Allusions
Activity
Literary
Allusions
Activity

16. An allusion to a historical event or period.
Historical Allusion Historical Allusion
Example from the play Macbeth by
William Shakespeare (1606)
In this scene, a porter imagines himself as a
gatekeeper to hell and uses the word
'equivocator' to allude to the Gunpowder Plot -
whereby Catholic priest Henry Garnet was
executed for treason as he attempted to blow
up the English Parliament and King James I in
1605. The allusion seems to serve as a warning
to anyone contemplating regicide and directly
foreshadows the plot of Macbeth.
"Faith, here’s an equivocator that could
swear in both the scales against either
scale, who committed treason enough for
God’s sake, yet could not equivocate to
heaven. Oh, come in, equivocator"

17. The following list includes some common literary
allusions. Choose TWO allusions from the list. For each
allusion, provide a brief summary of the work it alludes
to then explain the meaning of the statement.
It's hard to resist him because he's such a Casanova.1.
I met my Waterloo in that game of chess.2.
I don’t think any country could follow any of these
make-believe Draconian laws.
3.
Her lie slowly unraveled like Watergate.4.
That kid is a genius, he might as well be the next
Einstein.
5.
I'm trying to get the information but I keep being
stonewalled.
6.
I owe $20,000 tax to Uncle Sam.7.
No wonder she won the vote, she's a regular Mother
Teresa.
8.
Historical
Allusions
Activity
Historical
Allusions
Activity

18. Implicit
Intertextuality
Implicit
Intertextuality
Implicit intertextuality is more subtle and indirect. It refers to the
presence of other texts or underlying connections without
explicitly mentioning or citing them.

19. Genre
Conventions
Genre
Conventions
Genre conventions connect texts, even when there
is no direct reference or explicit mention of another
specific work. It occurs when a text evokes or
alludes to certain patterns, tropes or conventions
that are commonly associated with a particular
genre.
These implicit references rely on the audience's
familiarity with them to make connections and
interpret meaning.
For example, the detective genre often includes a
crime, a detective protagonist, a puzzle-like plot
structure, and a resolution that uncovers the truth.
When a new detective story follows these generic
conventions, it implicitly references the great
detectives of classic detective fiction, like Sherlock
Holmes without explicitly mentioning them.

20. Genre
Conventions
Genre
Conventions
Through implicit intertextuality, genre conventions can
also be subverted or parodied.
For example, a comedic film that mocks the genre of
action implicitly refers to the action genre by
highlighting their familiar tropes or clichés. The
intertextual connection relies on the audience
recognizing and understanding the genre conventions
being referenced in order to appreciate the humor.
Additionally, genre conventions can serve as a shared
cultural reference point that allows audiences to make
connections between seemingly unrelated texts.
When a science fiction film includes futuristic
technology, aliens, and space exploration, it implicitly
references other science fiction works, creating a
network of intertextual associations that contribute to
the broader development and evolution of the genre.

21. ParodyParody
A parody is a text that imitates or mocks the style,
themes or elements of another text, often with
deliberate exaggeration of humorous or satirical
effects.
The word parody is derived from the Greek parōidía,
meaning 'a song sung alongside another'.
For instance, a satirical cartoon might mimic the visual
style of a famous painting while portraying a current
event.
Parodies are typically negative in intent as they call to
attention to a writer’s perceived weaknesses or a
genres overused conventions and seeks to ridicule
them. However, successful parody cannot be written
without a thorough appreciation of the work that it
mimics, regardless of intent.

22. ArchetypesArchetypes
Archetypes refer to recurring themes, motifs, or
character types that are universally recognized and
appear across different texts and cultures.
These also evoke intertextuality through invoking
associations with other texts, without explicitly
mentioning them. Archetypes have built-in cultural or
literary meanings that the audience recognizes,
allowing them to understand the implicit reference.
For example, a character who embodies the archetype
of the "tragic hero" inevitably recalls references to
other literary tragic heroes, such as Oedipus or Hamlet.
This implicit reference creates depth and resonance by
tapping into the collective knowledge and emotions
associated with those archetypal narratives.

23. ArchetypesArchetypes
Archetypal imagery or symbols can also be
used implicitly to establish intertextuality.
For instance, the image of a snake as a
symbol of temptation or the apple as a
symbol of forbidden knowledge subtly
references the biblical story of Adam and
Eve.
Even without directly mentioning the biblical
text, the implicit intertextuality through
archetypes invokes the audience's
knowledge and understanding of the original
story.

24. Read the text and identify intertextual references (either explicit or implicit).
Analysing IntertextualityAnalysing Intertextuality
1.1.
2.2.
3.3.
Research these source texts or use your own knowledge of them to identify
similarities or differences in ideas, perspectives, style etc. that can be linked to
the current text. Remember, the source text might not offer the same perspective
- it might contradict or challenge it.
Consider the author's reason for the intertextual reference (if deliberate) or if not,
consider how intertextual knowledge shapes your response. Ultimately, ask
yourself how does intertextuality impact the meaning you make from the text.

25. To ConcludeTo Conclude
Intertextuality serves as a powerful tool in an author's arsenal, allowing them to transform
and build upon existing source material to create something entirely new and thought-
provoking. By reading intertextually, we can examine how a text might position our response
by inviting us to draw on ways of thinking we have encountered in other texts. By analyzing
this fascinating aspect of literary creativity, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the
interplay between texts, the multiple layers of meaning created and the ways in which
intertextuality enhances the literary landscape.