Zevit/Subtle Citation, 1. Echoes of Texts Past

In his introduction to the volume, ZZ begins by exploring the confusion that ensues when allusions are made to a statement by Emily Dickinson by individuals unfamiliar with both the literary context of her observation as well as with the original text (in context) to which she referred. It goes on to consider the fuzzy semantics of allusion, the problems occasioned by its seeming clarity, and notes alternative terms proposed to replace it. The chapter also explores the intended audiences, modern and ancient, of allusions, citations, and translations. Finally it ventures hypotheses concerning the conservative social and language settings within which literature was created and disseminated in ancient Israel and their implications for determining the reality of allusions in extant Israelite literature.