AQA GCSE English Literature key terms

Moral wickedness or corruption. Lanyon uses the phrase to condemn what Jekyll reveals about his conduct.

A recurring image or idea that helps develop a work’s meaning, such as light in Agard’s celebration of neglected historical figures.

A character through whom a writer expresses important beliefs or arguments.

The condition of being subject to change; in Frankenstein, it includes the instability of feelings and circumstances.

The way a narrative resolves its central conflicts and brings its events towards an ending.

The speed at which a story moves through events, shaped by the balance between detailed scenes, summaries and omitted periods.

The perspective through which events are presented. A third-person narrator tells these chapters, often focusing on Utterson’s perceptions and thoughts.

A poem that tells a story through a sequence of events.

The perspective through which a story is told. In The Sign of Four, Watson’s first-person narration means that readers encounter Mary through the observations and judgements of a man who falls in love with her.

The perspective and manner in which a story is told, including the narrator’s tone and choices about what to report.

The voice that tells a story, which is not necessarily the author’s own voice.

A moment when the narrator draws attention to their own voice by commenting explicitly on the story or its characters, rather than simply recounting events.

The historical study of nature and its laws, covering subjects now associated with the natural sciences.

The distinction between qualities someone is born with and the effects of education, care and experience on their development.

The extent to which someone's character and behaviour arise from their original qualities or from their upbringing, experiences and treatment.

An upbringing that fails to provide a child with necessary attention, protection or care.

The 1834 reform of poor relief in England and Wales, which promoted a deterrent workhouse system intended to reduce costs and discourage dependence on assistance.

A group responsible for guarding the streets at night and maintaining public order.

A narrative whose telling does not follow the chronological order of all its events.

An affectionate longing for the past.

Observing or paying attention. In the play, watching and overhearing repeatedly lead characters to interpret appearances incorrectly.

A short prose narrative, longer than a short story but shorter than a novel.

A narrative in which social behaviour, customs and relationships are central to the plot and its criticism of society.

A solemn promise that commits someone to a particular action or responsibility.

Treating a person as an object to possess or use rather than as an individual with feelings and choices.

Excessively eager obedience or flattery towards someone powerful, usually to gain or preserve their favour.

Carefully noticing details that can serve as evidence. Holmes distinguishes noticing a clue from reasoning about what it means.