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.
Literature, Philosophy, and Mythology
John Steinbeck: The Log from the Sea of Cortez (the entire novella)
Bible: The Gospel of Matthew—The parable of "the pearl of great price" (the novella’s title)
Unknown author: Pearl (the novella’s title)