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The Spectacular Now Allusions & Cultural References

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.

Literary and Philosophical References

Historical References

  • Socrates (32.24)
  • Joan of Arc (32.24)
  • Rasputin (32.24)
  • Hank Aaron (32.24)
  • Albert Schweitzer (32.24)
  • Lee Harvey Oswald (32.24)
  • Van Gogh (39.18)
  • Mona Lisa (53.14)
  • Sir Walter Raleigh (56.25)
  • Osama bin Laden (57.33)
  • Sigmund Freud (61.35)

Pop Culture References

  • Jimmy Buffett (4.9-10)
  • George Clooney (4.12)
  • Drew Barrymore (4.16)
  • Macaulay Culkin (4.20)
  • The Wizard of Oz (25.25)
  • Dean Martin (27.3)
  • Frank Sinatra (27.4)
  • Sammy Davis, Jr. (27.4)
  • Jennifer Love Hewitt (27.6)
  • Lance Armstrong (37.38)
  • Spider-Man (39.32)
  • Star Wars (39.32)
  • Woodstock (41.11)
  • Dumb and Dumber (44.16)