Eduqas GCSE English Literature key terms

The ability to judge accurately and distinguish between appearances and reality.

A false appearance or concealed identity, often created through clothing or a mask.

A Protestant Christian who belongs to a religious community separate from the established Church of England.

The belief that a monarch’s authority comes from God and that the monarch is ultimately answerable to God rather than an earthly authority.

A religious teaching or system of beliefs accepted by a religious group.

The expectation that women's proper place is in the home, caring for a household and family rather than participating fully in public life.

Abusive behaviour within a family or intimate relationship, including physical violence, threats and controlling behaviour.

A literary double who resembles, contrasts with or embodies a hidden aspect of another character.

A character who echoes another character’s experiences or qualities, allowing readers to examine similarities and differences between them.

An expression with two meanings, one of which is often sexual.

Two connected storylines whose similarities and differences help audiences interpret each other.

An unequal rule or expectation applied differently to comparable behaviour by different groups, such as men and women.

The combination of a rapidly connected sequence of events with references suggesting that a longer period has elapsed.

Money or property provided for a woman on marriage, also described in the novel as her marriage portion.

A contrast between characters that highlights their different attitudes, qualities or choices.

A contrast between what a character understands at a particular moment and what readers know, creating meanings such as tension or criticism.

A poem spoken by a particular character whose account reveals their experiences, thoughts or feelings.

A moment when the balance of power or the direction of events changes sharply.

Making a selection through a chance procedure, sometimes understood as revealing divine will. Lantern Yard uses this method to judge Silas.

The existence of two contrasting aspects within something; in Stevenson’s novella, especially the conflicting good and evil within a person.

A gold coin used as money in Venice.

A fight between two people, often undertaken to settle a dispute or defend a reputation.

Deceitfulness, especially maintaining different outward and hidden ways of behaving.

A family line of rulers whose authority continues across generations.

A poem that mourns or commemorates someone who has died.

The period associated with the reign of Elizabeth I, from 1558 to 1603.

Running away secretly with a romantic partner, often intending to marry without the approval of family.