When authors give shout outs 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
Gounod (1.6, 17.182, 22.208)
Shakespeare (6.145, 7.100, 17.125)
Wordsworth (6.145, 14.4)
Bible (6.145)
Oscar Wilde (6.145)
Olive Oyl (6.145)
Popeye (6.145)
Wimpy (6.145)
Othello (14.4)
Historical References
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey (referenced throughout)
A First of May (3.17, 3.31, 10.54, 10.58)
Prohibition (4.18)
Pop Culture References
"The Star Spangled Banner" (1.14, 22. 218)
Cracker Jack (1.37, 3.113, 12.25)
Bull Durham (3.14)
Old Glory (3.47)
Plymouth Roadster (9.5)
Camels (9.28)
Billboard (21.58)
The Hartford Fire (24.40)
The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Wreck (24.40)