Self-allusion

A literary or artistic device where a creator references their own previous work, experiences, or personality within a new creation. It differs from a simple "reference" because it specifically points back to something *they* produced, serving to create an intertextual relationship, comment on their artistic journey, or subtly invite a meta-narrative understanding from the audience. Often, the self-allusion adds depth, humor, or character development by acknowledging past creations and perhaps evolving perspectives. It can act as a wink to the audience or a signifier of artistic consistency.

Self-allusion meaning with examples

• In the sequel to his famous fantasy novel, the author included a minor character who constantly bumbled and tripped, mirroring a comical character from his first book. This self-allusion gave longtime readers a familiar inside joke and showed that the author was still in tune with the spirit of his earlier work. It served to further expand the original fantasy world he created.
• The painter, known for her vibrant sunset canvases, subtly incorporated the exact brushstrokes and color palette from her debut exhibition into her latest landscape. This self-allusion, while not immediately obvious, allowed viewers to compare the evolution of her style and the continuity of her artistic themes, adding layers of meaning to her newer works.
• The director, during the climax of his crime thriller, cut to a fleeting shot reminiscent of the final scene of his previous cult film. A subtle self-allusion acknowledged his signature style and allowed fans to pick up on the stylistic reference. It also served to evoke a similar tone and hint at the inevitable twist in the current film.
• A comedian's stand-up routine included a self-allusion to a joke from a past special, but this time, he delivered the punchline with a different inflection, reflecting a change in his personal outlook. This provided humor, but also subtly highlighted his own emotional and comedic growth, showing that he doesn't take himself too seriously.