An allusion is a reference to a previous work of literature or art.
One Biblical allusion in "Young Goodman Brown" occurs in the following line:
So saying, he threw it down at her [Goody Cloyse's] feet, where, perhaps, it assumed life, being one of the rods which its owner had formerly lent to the Egyptian Magi.
This alludes to Exodus 7:10-11. In this scene, the Egyptian magicians or Magi throw down their staffs just as Aaron did, and the staffs (rods) become snakes:
When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake. . . . and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts. (Exodus, 7-10-11)
It is notable that the rod thrown down is likened to the Egyptian magis's staff. The magi would be practicing dark ("secret") arts and not performing a miracle as Aaron does.
The word communion also occurs several times. While we tend to think of communion as a church ritual, the...
(The entire section contains 3 answers and 680 words.)
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