Edexcel GCSE English Literature key terms

The repetition of words formed from the same root, such as ‘leave’ and ‘leaving’.

The repeated use of conjunctions, such as ‘and’, which can create accumulation, emphasis or a particular pace.

The system of public assistance for people in poverty in England and Wales, reorganised by the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834.

A reading that examines how a text presents colonial power, dispossession, cultural difference and resistance.

A way of interpreting literature that examines how colonial power and assumptions about cultural or racial difference shape its representation of people.

A mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic experience, involving lasting distress such as intrusive memories, heightened alertness or avoidance.

A lack of money and resources needed for basic necessities such as adequate food, clothing and warmth.

The ability to direct other people’s actions, control resources or determine decisions.

An unequal distribution of control or influence between people, such as Gerald’s ability to provide and withdraw Daisy’s financial support.

A practical approach that prioritises what seems workable in the circumstances.

A Soviet newspaper whose name means ‘Truth’. Squealer represents the kind of official propaganda associated with newspapers such as Pravda.

An earlier legal decision that can guide later decisions in similar cases.

Knowledge of an event before it happens; a possibility explored in Priestley’s time plays.

An unfair judgement about a person or group made without adequate knowledge or justification.

An opinion or feeling formed in advance, which can influence how later evidence is understood.

A feeling that something, often something troubling, is about to happen.

A high opinion of oneself, which may become an exaggerated sense of superiority over others.

A moral belief or rule that guides someone’s actions, including when following it is difficult.

A ship no longer used for normal sailing service that has been adapted to hold prisoners.

A special advantage or right available to one person or group but not to others.

A play whose mixture of comic resolution and disturbing moral questions makes its tone and ending difficult to classify simply.

Wastefully extravagant, especially with money.

An introductory speech that establishes the setting, situation or themes before the main action begins.

A figure in Greek mythology who defied the gods by giving fire to humanity and suffered punishment for doing so.

A word that stands in place of a noun or noun phrase. First-person plural pronouns such as ‘we’ and ‘us’ place the speaker within a group.

An object used by actors on stage, which can also carry symbolic meaning.

Communication designed to influence people’s beliefs or behaviour, often through selective, misleading or false information.