Search
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/the-once-and-future-king-by-t-h--white/allusions
Once and Future King Allusions
More options
Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


Allusions are present in many stories, referencing actual people, places, events, art, and literature. They help to plunge the reader into the time period in which the story takes place. Allusions can reference the political, social, artistic, and technological influences that are present in the characters' lives and, therefore, provide greater insight into the characters' thoughts and motivations.

Allusions provide important connections for readers to understand themes and characters on a deeper level. However, they can sometimes be hard for students to grasp, especially if they do not have the background knowledge to understand them. That is why it is important to point out and delve into allusions when they appear in a story so that students can learn their significance, and then analyze how their meaning enhances our understanding of the point the author is trying to make.

A great way for students to keep track of allusions in a story is in a visual and descriptive way using storyboards! Using the example and template provided in this assignment, teachers can have students track the allusions and their context in the work, and then after researching or class discussions, have them integrate a new cell that explains how that allusion enhances the meaning or the events of the work.


Allusion Definition:

Allusions are references to well-known

  • Events
  • People or Characters
  • Works of Art or Literature
  • Places
  • Religions

Allusions in Literature

To tailor or scaffold this activity, teachers may provide students with a list of allusions before reading, before a new chapter, or afterward. They may also edit the template to add more cells depending on how many allusions they would like students to identify. Teachers can add as many templates as they want for differentiation and student choice! Be sure to update the student instructions as necessary.


Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Due Date:

Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies allusions present in the book. Allusions are references to actual people, places, events or works of art or literature. Illustrate each allusion and write a short description below each cell.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Identify different allusions made in the text.
  3. Describe the meaning of the allusion in the description.
  4. Illustrate the allusion with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
  5. In the next cell, explain how that allusion enhances the meaning or the events of the story using an illustration and description.

Allusion Template Simple
More options

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Literary Allusions

Switch to: Common Core • Arizona • California • Colorado • Florida • Georgia • Iowa • Kansas • Maryland • Massachusetts • Nebraska • New Jersey • New York • North Carolina • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • Utah

Rubric Accordion Arrow

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Tracking Allusions
As we read and discuss, identify and track the different allusions that appear in the work. For each allusion, create a scene that depicts the original meaning of the allusion, along with the quote and some background information. Then, create a scene that depicts the impact of that allusion on the deeper meaning of the work, along with a short analysis. Make sure the scenes you depict are historically and factually accurate, both to the allusion itself, and to the work of literature. Your scenes need to be neat, eye-catching, and reflect creativity and care. Please proofread your writing and organize your ideas thoughtfully.
Proficient
25 Points 		Emerging
19 Points 		Beginning
13 Points
Allusion
The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The quote which contains the allusion is included, or context is given for the quote's place in a brief summary.
The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The quote may be missing or no context is given.
The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The quote and/or context are missing, or there is no description at all.
How It Enhances Meaning
The allusion's connection to the work is accurate and thoughtful, with meaningful commentary provided to accompany the scene.
The allusion's connection to the work is slightly inaccurate, or only partially described. The commentary may be too limited.
The allusion's connection to the work has serious errors in accuracy. The commentary may also be missing or incomplete.
Artistic Depictions
The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative.
The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations.
The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited.
English Conventions
Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.
Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.
Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading.


Activity Overview


Allusions are present in many stories, referencing actual people, places, events, art, and literature. They help to plunge the reader into the time period in which the story takes place. Allusions can reference the political, social, artistic, and technological influences that are present in the characters' lives and, therefore, provide greater insight into the characters' thoughts and motivations.

Allusions provide important connections for readers to understand themes and characters on a deeper level. However, they can sometimes be hard for students to grasp, especially if they do not have the background knowledge to understand them. That is why it is important to point out and delve into allusions when they appear in a story so that students can learn their significance, and then analyze how their meaning enhances our understanding of the point the author is trying to make.

A great way for students to keep track of allusions in a story is in a visual and descriptive way using storyboards! Using the example and template provided in this assignment, teachers can have students track the allusions and their context in the work, and then after researching or class discussions, have them integrate a new cell that explains how that allusion enhances the meaning or the events of the work.


Allusion Definition:

Allusions are references to well-known

  • Events
  • People or Characters
  • Works of Art or Literature
  • Places
  • Religions

Allusions in Literature

To tailor or scaffold this activity, teachers may provide students with a list of allusions before reading, before a new chapter, or afterward. They may also edit the template to add more cells depending on how many allusions they would like students to identify. Teachers can add as many templates as they want for differentiation and student choice! Be sure to update the student instructions as necessary.


Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Due Date:

Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies allusions present in the book. Allusions are references to actual people, places, events or works of art or literature. Illustrate each allusion and write a short description below each cell.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Identify different allusions made in the text.
  3. Describe the meaning of the allusion in the description.
  4. Illustrate the allusion with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
  5. In the next cell, explain how that allusion enhances the meaning or the events of the story using an illustration and description.

Allusion Template Simple
More options

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Literary Allusions

Switch to: Common Core • Arizona • California • Colorado • Florida • Georgia • Iowa • Kansas • Maryland • Massachusetts • Nebraska • New Jersey • New York • North Carolina • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • Utah

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Tracking Allusions
As we read and discuss, identify and track the different allusions that appear in the work. For each allusion, create a scene that depicts the original meaning of the allusion, along with the quote and some background information. Then, create a scene that depicts the impact of that allusion on the deeper meaning of the work, along with a short analysis. Make sure the scenes you depict are historically and factually accurate, both to the allusion itself, and to the work of literature. Your scenes need to be neat, eye-catching, and reflect creativity and care. Please proofread your writing and organize your ideas thoughtfully.
Proficient
25 Points 		Emerging
19 Points 		Beginning
13 Points
Allusion
The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The quote which contains the allusion is included, or context is given for the quote's place in a brief summary.
The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The quote may be missing or no context is given.
The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The quote and/or context are missing, or there is no description at all.
How It Enhances Meaning
The allusion's connection to the work is accurate and thoughtful, with meaningful commentary provided to accompany the scene.
The allusion's connection to the work is slightly inaccurate, or only partially described. The commentary may be too limited.
The allusion's connection to the work has serious errors in accuracy. The commentary may also be missing or incomplete.
Artistic Depictions
The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative.
The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations.
The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited.
English Conventions
Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.
Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.
Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading.


How Tos about Allusions in The Once and Future King by T.H. White

1

How to Scaffold Allusion Activities for Diverse Learners

Assess students' prior knowledge about allusions to identify those who may need extra support. Knowing your students' backgrounds helps you tailor instruction for everyone's success.

2

Provide Pre-Reading Support with Allusion Lists

Share a list of key allusions before reading. Previewing challenging references helps students feel confident and ready to engage with the text.

3

Model Allusion Analysis with Think-Alouds

Demonstrate how to identify and analyze allusions by thinking aloud as you read. Students benefit from seeing your process for connecting allusions to deeper meanings.

4

Use Visual Supports and Graphic Organizers

Incorporate visual aids like storyboards or charts to help students track allusions and their significance. Visual tools make abstract concepts clearer and more accessible.

5

Differentiate Tasks for Varied Readiness Levels

Adapt allusion activities by offering sentence starters, tiered templates, or small group discussions for students who need extra help. This ensures all learners can participate meaningfully.

Frequently Asked Questions about Allusions in The Once and Future King by T.H. White

What are allusions in The Once and Future King?

Allusions in The Once and Future King are references to real people, places, events, or other works of art and literature. They help provide context and deeper meaning to the story, connecting the characters and themes to broader cultural or historical ideas.

How can I teach students to identify allusions in literature?

A helpful way is to have students use storyboards to visually track allusions as they read. Encourage them to note the reference, describe its meaning, and explain how it adds to the story. Providing a list of possible allusions or using editable templates can scaffold the process for different learners.

Why are allusions important in teaching The Once and Future King?

Allusions deepen students’ understanding of characters, themes, and the historical context. Discussing allusions helps students recognize how the author connects the story to real-world events or ideas, making the narrative more meaningful and relatable.

What is the best way to help students track allusions in a novel?

Using a visual storyboard template is effective. Students can illustrate each allusion, describe its source, and explain its significance. This approach supports comprehension and retention, especially for visual learners.

How can teachers differentiate allusion activities for diverse learners?

Teachers can scaffold by offering a pre-made list of allusions, adjusting the number of storyboard cells, or providing additional templates. Customizing instructions and grouping can help meet the needs of various students.




This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides


Literary Allusions
Literary Allusions Lesson Plans
Once and Future King, The
Once and Future King Lesson Plans
View All Teacher Resources

Testimonials

“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”
–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”
–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”
–Third Grade Teacher
*(This Will Start a 2-Week Free Trial - No Credit Card Needed)
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/the-once-and-future-king-by-t-h--white/allusions
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office