When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Literature, Philosophy, and Mythology
Alfred, Lord Tennyson: "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1.3.8, 1.4.1 and onwards)
The Brothers Grimm: "The Fisherman and his Wife" (throughout chapters 7 to 10 of Part One)
Shakespeare (Throughout part 1 of the novel)
Leo Tolstoy: Anna Karenina (1.17.63)
Percy Bysshe Shelley: "The Invitation" – "The best and brightest, come away […]" (1.12.10)
Charles Elton: "Luriana Lurilee" (Part One, Chapter 17)
William Brown: "Sirens’ Song" (1.19.5)
William Shakespeare: Sonnet 98 (Part One, Chapter 19)
William Cowper: "The Castaway" (throughout Part Three)