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
- Old Testament, Song of Songs (referenced through the novel’s title)
- Reba (throughout)
- Pilate (throughout)
- Hagar (throughout)
- First Corinthians (throughout)
- Magdalene called Lena (throughout)
- Ruth (throughout)
- Solomon (throughout)
- Jake/Jacob (throughout)
Mythological and Folklore References
- Circe (throughout)
- Hansel and Gretel (2.10.1)
Historical References
- Abraham Lincoln (1.2.159)
- Malcolm X (1.6.108)
- General Robert E. Lee (1.2.159)
- Mary Todd (1.2.159)
- Ulysses S. Grant (1.2.159)
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1.3.75)
- John F. Kennedy (1.4.157; 2.10.50)
- Winnie Ruth Judd (1.4.75)