What does "allusion" refer to in literature?

In literature, "allusion" refers to an indirect reference to another work of literature, person, or event. This literary device relies on the audience's familiarity with the referenced subject to enhance the meaning or depth of the text. For instance, a modern author might allude to a classic work like "Romeo and Juliet" to evoke themes of love and tragedy without needing to elaborate on those themes in detail.

By using allusion, writers can create layers of meaning, establish connections, and engage readers in a dialogue with the referenced material. Allusions can enrich the reader's experience by encouraging them to reflect on the parallels and implications of the reference in relation to the current narrative.