AQA GCSE English Literature key terms

A contrast between what characters believe and what the reader knows. Readers remember Snowball’s bravery while the animals accept claims that he was a traitor.

A poem presented as the speech of a particular character, whose words reveal their personality and attitudes.

A change that turns a character's situation towards its opposite, such as Shylock's movement from demanding punishment to facing it.

Suspense or anxious anticipation created by conflict, uncertainty or an approaching revelation in a play.

Waste material or impurities associated with metal; figuratively, something considered worthless.

The coexistence of two contrasting aspects within something; in the novella, human nature contains both good and evil.

A gold coin used as money in Venice.

An arranged fight between two people, often used to settle a dispute or defend reputation.

Deceitfulness through maintaining different appearances or ways of life, concealing one from others.

A succession of rulers belonging to the same family.

A poem that mourns or reflects on someone who has died.

A set of dots indicating an unfinished thought, omission or trailing pause.

Running away secretly with a romantic partner, often with the intention of marrying. In Pride and Prejudice, Lydia expects marriage, but Wickham initially does not.

A letter included within a larger narrative, allowing another character’s words to enter the story.

A story told inside another story. Thaddeus’s account of his father’s past interrupts Watson’s account of the present investigation.

A woman who has left her native country to live elsewhere, often for political reasons.

A feeling, such as love, fear or anger, that can influence a person’s thoughts and actions.

Understanding and imaginatively sharing another person’s feelings or experiences.

A group of territories and peoples ruled or controlled by another country.

An ABBA rhyme pattern in which the outer lines rhyme around a rhyming inner pair.

The continuation of a sentence or phrase beyond a verse line without a completing punctuation mark.

An inheritance arrangement restricting who can receive an estate. In Pride and Prejudice, Longbourn will pass to Mr Collins rather than the Bennet daughters.

Resentment of another person’s advantages or success, often accompanied by a desire to possess them.

An ancient philosophy associated with Epicurus that sought freedom from fear and disturbance, including fear of divine intervention. Cassius's former allegiance helps explain his previous rejection of omens.

A concluding section that explains what happens to characters after the main action has been resolved.

Writing in the form of letters. Austen inserts letters into her prose narrative to reveal character, communicate events and control when information becomes available.

A narrative told through letters. Letters identify a particular writer and recipient, giving events a personal viewpoint.