The Great Wide Sea Allusions & Cultural References

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.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • Gerard Manley Hopkins, "Spring and Fall" (2.2)
  • Dylan Thomas, "Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night" (2.3)
  • Thor Heyerdahl, Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific in a Raft (3.19)
  • Joshua Slocum, Sailing Alone Around the World (3.19)
  • Robin Lee Graham with Derek L. T. Gill, Dove (3.19)
  • C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia (6.2)
  • Emily Dickinson, "Pain Has an Element of Blank" (16.28)
  • Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are (16.34)
  • Johann David Wyss, Swiss Family Robinson (33.2)
  • Daniel Dafoe, Robinson Crusoe (33.2)
  • Theodore Taylor, The Cay (33.2)
  • Emily Dickinson, "My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close" (40.35)

Pop Culture References

  • Batman (16.41)
  • Tarzan (33.64)