Edexcel GCSE English Literature key terms

Treating someone or something as an object of worship in place of God.

A lack of knowledge or understanding. It is not necessarily laziness or a lack of moral judgement.

The historical status of being born to parents who were not legally married to each other; it could bring social stigma and restrictions on inheritance.

An appearance or experience that misleads someone about reality, such as the apparent destruction of the ship in The Tempest.

Language that evokes sensory experience, such as a sight, sound or touch.

A verb form used to give a command or instruction, such as “Come” or “Make”.

The annual flow of money a person receives, as distinct from their total wealth or inherited capital.

Unwilling or unable to believe something. Lanyon remains incredulous despite having witnessed the transformation.

A legal agreement setting out the terms of an apprenticeship. Pip’s indentures bind him to Joe until his new circumstances allow the agreement to be cancelled.

The ability to make and act on one’s own decisions rather than being controlled by someone else. Jane seeks moral, emotional and financial independence.

A person belonging to the population of a place before colonising outsiders arrive.

The belief that people should primarily look after their own interests rather than accept responsibility for the wider community.

Teaching people to accept particular beliefs without questioning or critically examining them.

Allowing someone to have their wishes or avoid restraint. Eliot distinguishes neglectful indulgence from loving patience.

The historical shift towards machine production and factory-based work, which transformed employment and communities.

An unequal distribution of resources, opportunities or power between people or groups.

A conclusion about a character, event or idea that is supported by details in the text but not directly stated.

An interpretation developed from close reading and supported by textual evidence, rather than an unsupported statement of liking or disliking a text.

Receiving possessions, characteristics or traditions from an earlier generation. In Hardi’s poem, it concerns both household objects and connections to home.

A ceremony marking entry into a community or a new stage of life, such as the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Unfair treatment, including punishment of an innocent person or denial of the opportunity to be heard.

An opening that places the reader in the middle of events rather than first explaining their background.

Language with a second, usually sexual, meaning beneath its more innocent meaning.

Faithfulness to personal moral principles, including when keeping them involves difficulty or loss.

Money charged for the use of borrowed money. Shylock uses ‘usance’ to mean interest.

A person who acts between two parties, passing on instructions or arranging dealings. Whymper connects Napoleon with the human world.

A struggle within a person’s thoughts or feelings.