AQA GCSE English Literature key terms

A political belief combining socialist aims, such as reducing inequality and exploitation, with democratic government and political freedom.

The resolution following a story’s climax, when its complications are usually explained or settled.

A person who relies on someone else for financial support or care. At Gateshead, Jane’s dependence is used to demand her obedience.

A ruler who has had their position unlawfully taken by someone else.

A historical label for people judged worthy of assistance because they were considered hardworking or unable to support themselves. It reflects a judgement about poverty, not an objective division between people.

Extreme poverty in which a person lacks the money and resources needed for food, shelter and other necessities.

A narrative genre in which an investigator uses clues and reasoning to uncover the explanation of a crime.

A variety of language associated with a region or social group, including distinctive vocabulary and grammar.

Written conversation between characters, through which a writer can reveal personality, relationships and conflict.

An official granted exceptional governing powers. Caesar's appointment as dictator for life removed the temporary limit associated with the Roman office.

Intended to teach a lesson, especially a moral lesson. A didactic play uses its characters and events to encourage audiences to reconsider their beliefs or behaviour.

Writing intended to teach a lesson, particularly a moral lesson about how people should behave.

A line of verse containing two metrical feet.

Speaking directly to someone, often using their name or the pronoun ‘you’. In a poem, the person addressed may be absent.

The ability to distinguish accurately between appearances and reality, or between good and poor judgement.

Care in handling sensitive information and avoiding unnecessary disclosure.

Disappointment caused by losing faith in something previously valued or trusted.

The belief that a monarch's authority comes from God, making rebellion against the monarch an offence against divine authority.

The nineteenth-century expectation that women should centre their lives on the home and family rather than public activity or professional ambition.

A double or counterpart of a person, often used in Gothic fiction to expose a hidden or threatening aspect of identity.

A character who mirrors or contrasts with another character, revealing aspects of identity, desire or conflict.

Two connected storylines whose similarities and differences help create meaning.

Applying different standards to comparable behaviour, such as excusing men’s sexual conduct while condemning women’s.

A construction that combines two superlative forms, such as ‘most’ and an adjective ending in ‘-est’, to intensify emphasis.

The presentation of characters as mirrors of one another, using similarities and differences to reveal their qualities.

Without money or property to bring to a marriage. Belle describes herself as a dowerless girl when questioning whether Scrooge would still choose to marry her.

Money or property provided by a bride’s family as part of a marriage arrangement.