What is one function of allusion in literature?

Allusion serves a significant role in literature by evoking a reference without direct mention, which enriches the text and encourages deeper engagement from readers. This literary device allows authors to connect their work to broader cultural or historical contexts, relying on the audience's existing knowledge to create layers of meaning. By referencing a well-known event, myth, literary work, or figure, the author can convey complex ideas, emotions, or themes succinctly, prompting readers to draw parallel interpretations from their understanding of those references. This not only adds depth to the text but also can create resonance or contrast with the narrative at hand, enhancing readers' appreciation of the work as a whole.