On references within fanfiction

The short of it: Is it too terribly conceited of me to reference (albeit subtly) Moby-Dick in my fanfiction?

The long: I'm writing this series of interrelated one-shots for Bleach, and in the chapter I'm writing at the moment they're fighting some hollows. The relevant paragraph is as follows:

Spoiler:

Specifically, it refers to where Ishmael discusses his fear of the color white, which I though was relevant. Or am I just being pretentious?

thebonerules wrote:

The short of it: Is it too terribly conceited of me to reference (albeit subtly) Moby-Dick in my fanfiction?

The long: I'm writing this series of interrelated one-shots for Bleach, and in the chapter I'm writing at the moment they're fighting some hollows. The relevant paragraph is as follows:

Spoiler:

Specifically, it refers to where Ishmael discusses his fear of the color white, which I though was relevant. Or am I just being pretentious?

Fairly pretentious, yes. Though a little pretension never hurt anyone.

I'd say leaving it in isn't a problem unless you feel the urge to use it to point out how smart you are. As a little Easter egg for those familiar with Melville's work, it should be fine.

(That is, of course, assuming the style fits the rest of the story. If a reader who's not familiar with Melville can pick it out, distinct from the rest of the text, then it's probably out of place and should be cut.)

No, it certainly fits in with the rest of the chapter (though each chapter is its own style). But then there's my other concern. Is it unbearably purple?

I quite like Easter Egg stuff in fanfiction, so as long as you don't go boasting about it, you should be okay.

I also like little references, so I think it's fine. But it is getting a little bit purple.