An allusion is a literary device that allows the poet to reference something complex without the need to explicitly explain the reference. Allusions can be powerful because they compel the reader to make connections and fill in the missing pieces. In “An Ancient Gesture,” Millay alludes to two people from Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. The main person is Penelope. Homer never appears in the poem, nor does Millay explain who Penelope is or why she’s in this poem. It’s up to the reader to figure out who Penelope is and why belongs in the poem.

Even if the reader isn’t familiar with Ancient Greek poetry, the allusion still works. The reader doesn’t need to know why Penelope was weaving to understand that it was laborious. They don’t have to be aware of why or how Ulysses is missing to grasp that the missing husband has left Penelope distraught. Allusion works by taking advantage of the power of hints and suggestions.

Allusion also makes it possible to interpret this poem as an autobiographical text. Penelope’s weaving might allude to Millay’s grueling writing, reading, and lecturing schedule. The “gone” (Line 7) husband suggests the death of her husband, Eugen Boissevain, who died the year Ladies’ Home Journal published this poem.