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.
Biblical References
- Song of Songs, Book of Revelation, Gospels (Luke and Matthew)
- "a satire against [the Stoics]," written by Caesar (86)
- Regarding the view that Jokanaan is Elias/Elijah (90-92): Matthew 14:10-13
- Regarding the Whore of Babylon: Revelation 17:4-6
- Revelation 6:12-13 (discussed in the "Symbols, Imagery, Allegory" section) is referenced in lines 282-283 and 337-338.
- A number of Jesus' miracles are mentioned: the changing of the water into wine at wedding in Cana at 245 (John 2:1-11), the healing of lepers and the blind at 246-7 (there are multiple occurrences of this throughout the Gospels), and the resurrection of the daughter of Jairus at 252-258 (Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8:40-56).
Historical References
- Salomé
- Jokanaan (John the Baptist)
- Herod Antipas
- Herodias
- Caesar (First mentioned at line 87, mentioned throughout.)