Question

An allusion is a direct or indirect reference to something historical, literacy, religious, or mythical. Allusions can help people see unique connections between two ideas. Read the following passage: The stray cat stalked down the street. Her walk was proud - she barely flinched when a car on the corner backfired. She reached the end of the street and made one majestic leap to the top of an open can, where with great dignity, she settled over a meal of broken bones, a back alley Cleopatra. Which detail from the text contains an allusion

Answer 1

This question is missing the answer options. I have found them online. They are the following:

A. "She reached the end of the street and made one majestic leap..."

B. "The stray cat stalked down the street."

C. "Her walk was proud..."

D. "... she settled over a meal of broken bones, a back alley Cleopatra."

Answer:

The detail that contains an allusion is:

D. "... she settled over a meal of broken bones, a back alley Cleopatra."

Explanation:

As is explained in the instructions, an allusion is a reference to a famous character or person, one whose story - true or fictional - is well known.

In the passage we are analyzing here, the allusion takes place when the author mentions Cleopatra, a famous queen from Ancient Egypt. By comparing the cat to Cleopatra, the narrator is attributing characteristics of the queen to the animal - dignity, pride, beauty, elegance. The allusion makes is possible for the author to not have to say those words. Since everyone knows who Cleopatra was and what traits and behaviors she was famous for, by simply alluding to her, the author conveys a deeper description.