What does the term illusion refer to in literature?

The term "illusion" in literature refers to a deceptive appearance or false idea. It signifies something that misleads the reader or audience, creating a perception that may not correspond with reality. Illusions can be employed by authors to challenge the audience's understanding and provoke deeper thought about the nature of truth, perception, or reality within the narrative. This concept often plays a critical role in various literary works, where characters might face situations that are not as they seem, highlighting themes of deception, misunderstanding, or the complexity of human experience.

In this context, other options such as a realistic portrayal of events, a type of foreshadowing, or a literary device that emphasizes clarity do not align with the definition of illusion, as they focus on transparency or straightforwardness rather than deception or misrepresentation.