The winter of our discontent

Introduction 
 
The development of modern literary process is characterized by the increasing 
tendency to experiments in the domain of intertextuality. Being a multi-faceted 
phenomenon, it comprises numerous modes and forms. When analyzing the research 
done on allusion and tracing the development of allusion theory we can't but notice the 
shift from the definition of allusion as 'tacit' reference to the controversy over its 
covertness/overtness to its broader definition, resolving this controversy. More recent 
definitions of allusion lay heavier emphasis on its intertextual character, disregarding 
the importance of its covertness/overtness. Redefinition of the allusion marker (in 
terms of broadening it) solved the problem of superiority in relations between allusion 
and quotation. Now quotation is accepted as one of the forms of allusion marker. 
Attention to the referential aspects of the alluding process and the use of pragmatics 
has inspired the creation of more comprehensive theories trying to give a single 

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explanation to both literary and non-literary allusions. The use of the pragmatic 
approach in studies on allusion has also helped to account for the roles of the writer 
and the reader in the alluding process. The scholars are now concerned not only with 
the question of artistic intention but also with the active role of the reader in 
interpreting allusions. 
It is impossible to cover all aspects of allusion within the scope of the present 
paper. Therefore I will limit myself to dealing with allusion as a central 
manifestation of intertextuality. In spite of its complexity the stylistic device of 
allusion has always attracted attention of scholars from different countries (Ben-
Porat, 1976; Perri, 1979; Hebel, 1989, etc.). However, not all the aspects of its 
functioning in literary discourse have been fully covered in the existing studies. 
Further research on allusion is necessary because it affects interpretation of literary 
work. In other words, allusion may enrich this interpretation. The analysis of the 
writer's choice of allusions also helps to reveal the type of a relationship s/he tries to 
establish with their readers. 
The aim of this paper is to show how allusions contribute to various aspects of 
the novel. I intend to study the functions of allusions in literary discourse. I would 
also like to demonstrate that allusions enable the writer to present in a concise and 
expressive form different voices and points of view. I will use allusion as a generic 
term for both references and quotations, sharing the view of those scholars for whom 
references and quotations are two forms of the allusion marker. The analysis is based 
on the novel “The Winter of Our Discontent” by John Steinbeck.