Funke utilizes literary allusion throughout Inkheart. Allusions are references to objects or topics outside of the text, which are meant to draw on a reader’s preexisting knowledge. Each chapter of Inkheart begins with a quotation from a well-known novel, usually a children’s fantasy novel. These intertextual references cue readers, particularly readers who are familiar with a range of widely celebrated literary works, to expect certain thematic features in each chapter.

Chapter 3: “Going South” begins with a quote from The Wind in the Willows about the dangers of leaving the safety of the woods (21). Journeys and adventures are major themes throughout The Wind in the Willows; characters experience excitement, triumph, and tribulation when they leave the woods. This reinforces young protagonist Meggie’s anxiety at leaving the safety of her home and hints that she will encounter a range of unexpected and exciting events on her adventure.

Literary allusion is also used to cue readers to approaching danger and adversity. Chapter 48: “The Magpie” begins with a quote from T. H. White’s The Book of Merlin: “But they woke him early with words, their cruel, bright weapons” (432). The reader is forewarned that Mortola the Magpie will be threatening, cruel, and sinister in her meeting with