When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Literature and Philosophy
- "the old Greek" and "Penelope" (1.103-104): a reference to Odysseus and his faithful wife
- Book of Numbers (3.240): an Old Testament book
- The Times and The Morning Post (4.26): The Times was serious; The Morning Post full of society gossip
Historical Figures
- Boodle's Club (1.114): an old and distinguished London gentleman's club
- Suez Canal (1.225): shares were bought on Prime Minister Disraeli's advice in 1875
Political References
- Star of the Garter; Whig (1.19): The Garter is an order of Knighthood. A Whig is the 18th-century term for moderate liberals.
- Women's Liberal Association (2.101): Founded in 1886. Women's Liberal Associations all over England debated political issues, including women's right to vote.
- Upper House (2.242): the House of Lords
- Downing Street (4.72): official residence of the Prime Minister
Art References
- Triumph of Love by Boucher (1.1): Francois Boucher (1703-1770). A French painter exemplifying the French rococo style.
- Watteau (1.1): Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684-1721), French painter
- Lawrence (1.19): Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830), English painter who specialized in portraits of military and state leaders
- Tanagra (1.23): 4th century B.C. terracotta figures
- Van-dyck (1.52): Sir Anthony Van Dyck (1599-1641), Flemish painter
- Corot (1.236): Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796-1875), French landscape painter