What is the term for an indirect reference to a famous figure or event in literature or history?

An indirect reference to a famous figure or event in literature or history is known as an allusion. This literary device enriches a text by drawing on the shared knowledge and experiences of the audience, allowing the writer to evoke specific emotions or themes without detailing the reference explicitly. For example, mentioning "a Herculean task" implies great strength and effort by referencing the mythological figure Hercules, instantly conveying depth with minimal words. This technique is effective in creating connections and providing context, thus enhancing the overall meaning and resonance of a piece of writing.

The other terms, while relevant in literary discussions, refer to different concepts: metonymy involves substituting the name of one thing for that of another with which it is closely associated, synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part represents the whole or vice versa, and hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. Each serves its purpose in language, but they do not encapsulate the idea of an indirect reference to a well-known figure or event.