What is an implied or indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, or event known as?

An allusion is an implied or indirect reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of literature. It allows the writer to connect with readers through shared knowledge and experiences, enriching the text's meaning without lengthy explanations. For example, if a character expresses feelings of despair by saying, "He felt like he was in a real-life version of Dante's Inferno," that is an allusion to Dante Alighieri's work, which readers familiar with literature would recognize. This adds depth to the character's emotional state by invoking the imagery associated with the original work.

The other choices do not fit this definition. A metaphor involves a direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." Bias refers to an inclination or prejudice for or against something, which is unrelated to literary references. Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally but is rather used for emphasis or effect. Understanding allusion enriches the appreciation of literary works by connecting themes and concepts across various contexts.