Which term refers to an indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, or event?

The term that describes an indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, or event is allusion. Allusions are often used by writers to draw connections between their work and broader cultural, historical, or literary contexts. This technique enriches the text, allowing readers to engage with the work on a deeper level by invoking shared knowledge and experiences. For instance, a writer might allude to a well-known historical event, like the fall of Rome, to comment on contemporary political situations, creating a resonance that enhances the theme or message of the piece.

In contrast, while metaphor, symbolism, and reference might also involve making connections or comparisons, they do not specifically capture the sense of indirect referencing characteristic of allusions. Metaphor conveys meaning through direct comparisons, symbolism uses specific objects or elements to represent larger concepts, and reference generally denotes a more explicit mention rather than an indirect one, making allusion the most accurate term for this concept in literature.