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Cutting for Stone Allusions and Cultural References

When authors give shout outs 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

  • Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Ecstasy of St. Teresa (P.8-13, 1.7.14-17, 3.28.2, 4.53.22-23)
  • Miserere mei, Deus Psalm 51 (1.7.21)
  • George Eliot, Middlemarch (2.15.48-49)
  • Rudyard Kipling (3.18.21)
  • John Ruskin (3.18.21)
  • C. S. Lewis (3.18.21)
  • Edgar Allan Poe (3.18.21)
  • R. K. Narayan (3.18.21, 3.20.44)
  • C. S. Forester, A Ship of the Line (3.20.5)
  • Alice in Wonderland (3.20.42, 4.44.69-70)
  • "Bunyan's Hymn" (3.24.36)
  • Matthew 3:3 (3.28.50)

Historical References

  • Johann Sebastian Bach, Gloria in excelsis Deo (P.19-20)
  • Benito Mussolini (1.2.15)
  • Colonel Wingate (1.2.15)
  • Marion Sims (1.10.77, 3.36.38, 4.38.15)

Pop Culture References

  • Getachew Kassa (3.17.27)
  • Mahmoud Ahmed (3.17.27)
  • Aster Aweke (3.17.27)
  • Teddy Afro (3.17.27)
  • Bobby Vinton, "My Heart Only Belongs to You" (3.32.43)
  • Chuck Berry, (3.32.49-50, 3.32.52, 3.32.54, 3.32.56, 3.33.38)
  • M. S. Subbulakshmi "Suprabhatam" (4.38.90)