What is an allusion?

The correct choice defines an allusion as a reference to a person, place, event, or literary work that does not require detailed explanation, relying instead on the audience's prior knowledge and familiarity with the topic mentioned. This characteristic is what makes allusions powerful in literature; they can evoke meanings or emotions through a brief mention, adding depth to the text without the need for lengthy exposition. For example, mentioning "the Trojan War" in a contemporary context evokes rich historical and literary connotations, presuming the audience understands its significance.

The other options do not capture the essence of an allusion. A detailed explanation of a historical figure or event would imply an in-depth examination, which contradicts the brevity inherent in an allusion. A direct quotation from a literary work is distinct from an allusion since it reproduces the text verbatim rather than referencing it implicitly. An uncommon term or jargon used in literature does not convey the same contextual depth and cultural resonance that an allusion entails, thus lacking the shared understanding required to make the reference effective.