In Rita Dove’s poem Sonnet in Primary Colors, a single line hides a powerful allusion—a reference that adds depth, history, and emotion to the poem. This subtle nod transforms the meaning for readers who recognize it. Understanding which quotation contains the allusion helps us see the poem’s richness and its connection to real-life history.
What Does “Allusion” Mean in a Poem?
An allusion in poetry is when a poet refers to a person, place, event, or work of art—often without explaining it directly. The reader is expected to make the connection.
For example, if a poem says, “He met his Waterloo”, it’s an allusion to Napoleon’s final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. You don’t need the whole history lesson in the poem—you just need to know that Waterloo means an ultimate downfall.
In literature, allusions are like hidden doors. If you open them, you discover deeper meaning. If you don’t, the surface meaning is still there—but you miss some of the richness.
The Poem “Sonnet in Primary Colors” by Rita Dove
Rita Dove is a Pulitzer Prize–winning American poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate. In Sonnet in Primary Colors, she celebrates the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo—known for her vivid self-portraits, pain-filled life, and deep emotional expression through art.
The poem is only 14 lines, following the sonnet form, but every word is packed with meaning. Dove paints a verbal portrait of Frida, using imagery of bright colors, suffering, and resilience. The title itself, “Primary Colors,” suggests boldness and simplicity, but also the foundation from which all other colors (and emotions) can be made.
The poem mixes art history with emotional truth, and that’s where the allusion comes in.
Which Quotation from the Poem Includes an Allusion?
One particular line in Sonnet in Primary Colors stands out because it points to a real historical and cultural reference—something outside the poem itself.
The Exact Line with the Allusion
The allusion appears in the line:
“wore her skirts like a sail”
But this isn’t the only one. The most notable allusion in the poem is to “in the company of Diego” and the mention of the Two Fridas—a reference to Kahlo’s famous painting and her life with artist Diego Rivera.
Who or What the Allusion Refers To
This allusion refers to Frida Kahlo, her marriage to Diego Rivera, and her famous double self-portrait The Two Fridas. By referencing her directly and indirectly through imagery, Dove brings all the weight of Kahlo’s biography, art, and political activism into the poem without lengthy explanation.
Anyone who knows Kahlo’s story will instantly recall her turbulent relationship with Rivera, her chronic health problems, and the symbolic power of her paintings.
Why Rita Dove Might Have Used It
Rita Dove likely used this allusion for several reasons:
- Instant recognition – Frida Kahlo is a cultural icon. Mentioning her or her art pulls in a wave of associations.
- Depth of meaning – Alluding to The Two Fridas lets Dove hint at themes of identity, pain, and duality without having to spell them out.
- Connection between art forms – Dove’s poem becomes a “painting in words,” and referencing a real painting bridges poetry and visual art.
It’s not just name-dropping—it’s a way of letting one art form talk to another.
How the Allusion Changes the Poem’s Meaning
Without the allusion, Sonnet in Primary Colors could still be read as a description of a vibrant, suffering woman. But with the reference to Frida Kahlo and The Two Fridas, the poem becomes layered:
- The colors are no longer just visual—they are emotional.
- The physical pain in the poem echoes Kahlo’s real injuries from a bus accident.
- The relationship tension hints at her marriage to Diego Rivera.
The allusion acts like a shortcut. Instead of needing to explain all this, Dove can simply gesture toward Kahlo, and the reader’s knowledge fills in the rest.
Other Examples of Allusions in Poetry
Allusions are everywhere in poetry. A few famous examples:
- T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” – Packed with references to Greek mythology, Shakespeare, and the Bible.
- Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay” – Alludes to the Garden of Eden.
- Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” – Echoes biblical and cultural ideals of beauty and strength.
These allusions work the same way as Dove’s—bringing extra meaning with just a few words.
Why Readers Love Finding Allusions
Allusions are like hidden treasures in a poem. When you find them, you feel like you’ve unlocked a secret. Even if you’re not an expert in literature, catching an allusion can make you feel more connected to the poet.
Allusions Make Poems More Fun
Spotting an allusion is a bit like getting an inside joke. You suddenly share a wink with the poet, as if they’re saying, “Ah, you got it.”
Allusions Connect Us to History and Culture
When Dove alludes to Frida Kahlo, she connects us to 20th-century art, Mexican history, and feminist icons—all in one line. It’s a bridge between poetry and the real world.
How It Helps the Reader
Allusions guide interpretation. They give you a richer emotional experience and help you see beyond the literal description. You start to see patterns between art, history, and personal experience.
Thoughts on the Poem’s Allusion
The allusion in Sonnet in Primary Colors is subtle yet powerful. Rita Dove trusts her readers to make the leap from a few choice words to an entire life story. That’s the magic of poetry—it lets the reader do some of the painting in their own mind.
The Bottom Line
The line in Sonnet in Primary Colors that includes an allusion—referencing Frida Kahlo and her painting The Two Fridas—isn’t just decorative. It’s the backbone of the poem’s meaning. Rita Dove’s choice shows how a single reference can open a doorway into deeper understanding, richer emotion, and a connection between art forms.
By recognizing the allusion, readers move from seeing a colorful portrait to witnessing a life full of beauty, pain, and resilience—just like Frida Kahlo herself.
