Water for Elephants Allusions and Cultural References

Literary and Philosophical References

Gounod (1.6, 17.182, 22.208)
Shakespeare (6.145, 7.100, 17.125)
Wordsworth (6.145, 14.4)
Bible (6.145)
Oscar Wilde (6.145)
Olive Oyl (6.145)
Popeye (6.145)
Wimpy (6.145)
Othello (14.4)

Historical References

Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey (referenced throughout)
A First of May (3.17, 3.31, 10.54, 10.58)
Prohibition (4.18)

Pop Culture References

"The Star Spangled Banner" (1.14, 22. 218)
Cracker Jack (1.37, 3.113, 12.25)
Bull Durham (3.14)
Old Glory (3.47)
Plymouth Roadster (9.5)
Camels (9.28)
Billboard (21.58)
The Hartford Fire (24.40)
The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Wreck (24.40)