Which term refers to well-known people or events mentioned without explicit description?

The correct term for referencing well-known people or events without providing explicit details is allusion. Allusions rely on the reader's prior knowledge or cultural understanding to make connections. For instance, an author might mention "a modern-day Hercules" to evoke the idea of strength and heroism without elaborating on the character's qualities or stories from mythology. This technique enriches the text, allowing for deeper connotations and resonating meanings based on shared knowledge.

Symbolism involves the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities and does not pertain to indirect references to people or events. Imagery refers to language that creates sensory experiences, helping readers visualize scenes or feel emotions but does not comment on known entities or occurrences. Foreshadowing is a narrative device that hints at future events in a story, creating anticipation but not involving references to well-known figures or historical events.