Clarissa Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

Historical References

  • The heiress of Scotland (7.21): This refers to Henry VIII's attempt to marry his son to the four-year-old Mary, Queen of Scots. The attempt was otherwise known as the "Rough Wooing."
  • Hannibal (10.23): Hannibal advised Antiochus to attack the Romans on their own turf when he was fleeing from Carthage to Ephesus in 195 B.C.E.
  • Publius Clodius Pulcher (107.14): This dude is best known for being the sworn enemy of Cicero and masquerading as a woman at the festival of the Bona Dea.
  • Lord Shaftesbury (116.26)
  • The great Macedonian (Alexander the Great) (232.1)

Biblical References

  • Proverbs 18:17 (32.391)
  • Luke 15:7 (90.3)
  • Exodus 16:3 (142.2)
  • Proverbs 27:5 (309.3)
  • Job 30:23 (360.25)