The Austere Academy - Cultural References and Literary Allusions

Cultural References and Literary Allusions

• The names Isadora and Duncan came from Isadora Duncan, a famous dancer, who was killed when her scarf was caught in a sports car's wheels.
• Prufrock may be a reference to the Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, a poem by T. S. Eliot.
• Vice Principal Nero is likely a reference to the Emperor Nero, a Roman Emperor whose reign is often associated with tyranny and greed. Emperor Nero allegedly "fiddled while Rome burned." Emperor Nero was also famous for forcing many of his subjects to sit through extended theatrical pieces created and performed by himself. This is reflected in Vice Principal Nero's awful violin recitals.
• Genghis Khan, a famous Mongolian chieftain, shares his name with Coach Genghis, Count Olaf's disguise in this book.
• Mrs. Bass and Mr. Remora share their names with types of fish, as did the former gym teacher Miss Tench.
• When Isadora mentions she writes poetry, Sunny shrieks Sappho, which is the name of a female Greek poet.
• The book's cover is a reference to the classic novel Oliver Twist.
• The UK version of the book cover is completely different. It shows Carmelita Spats glaring at Violet, Klaus and Sunny while they are getting their food.