Literary references are mentions or allusions to other works of literature, authors, or literary concepts within a text. These references can enhance the meaning of a work by drawing connections to familiar stories, themes, or characters, allowing readers to gain deeper insights. For example, a novel might reference Shakespeare to evoke themes of love or betrayal. Writers use literary references to create layers of meaning and to engage readers who recognize the allusions. Such references can also serve to establish a cultural context or to critique societal norms, as seen in works that reference Homer or Dickens.