Clavis Libri

Literary device

Allusion

A brief reference, without explanation, to a person, a text, a myth, or a known fact from outside the work, which carries with it the meaning of that other story.

In Demons

He will come, and his name is man-god.

The promise "he will come" echoes the announcement of the Messiah and the expectation of a second coming. Kirillov takes the language of the Gospel to announce someone who will take God's place, and not serve him.

Part Two: The Night of the Creditors, Kirillov

My God, so many borrowed words! Learned lessons! And they have already put their uniform on you! You too are in joy, you too are in the sun; chère, chère, for what plate of lentils did you sell them your freedom!
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Part Two: The Waiting Town, Stepan Trofimovich

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