OCR GCSE English Literature key terms

The act of saying goodbye to someone or something being left behind.

Third-person narration that mainly restricts the reader to the knowledge and experience of a particular character.

The connected reasoning through which an essay develops and supports its central interpretation.

The ability to read and write. In Animal Farm, different levels of literacy affect the animals’ ability to check laws and claims.

The literal sense of a word, image or event: here, the boy is taking an actual train journey.

A paid position as a clergyman attached to a parish, which could be offered through the influence of a patron.

An arrangement in which three people’s emotional or romantic relationships affect one another.

Continuing commitment to a person, belief or promise, especially when keeping that commitment becomes difficult.

Clear awareness, thought or communication.

A soothing song traditionally sung to help a child fall asleep.

A poem expressing a speaker’s personal feelings, often with musical qualities.

The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often creating comedy.

The belief, associated with Thomas Malthus, that population growth could outstrip the food supply.

Using another person’s feelings, words or circumstances to influence them for one’s own purposes.

A marriage chosen chiefly for practical benefits, such as a home, income or social position, rather than romantic affection.

A person who suffers or dies for a religious belief or principle. Jane’s comparison of Helen to a martyr presents her endurance as courageous rather than weak.

Qualities and behaviours that a society associates with being a man; in Macbeth, characters disagree about whether these require violence, moral restraint or emotional honesty.

A celebration or entertainment involving disguise, masks and often music.

The treatment of material possessions or money as more important than other values, such as love or kindness.

A woman who leads a family or community. Enid leads her household, while Mai holds authority through her knowledge and work as a healer.

Descent or inheritance through the female line. Mai’s transfer of knowledge to Del creates a symbolic mother–daughter inheritance.

A short statement expressing a general principle or piece of advice, such as the Friar's warning about running too fast.

A person who tries to resolve disagreement between others.

A gathering involving music or poetry. Papa’s musical gatherings connect the family and their friends with their cultural heritage.

A persistent sadness or pensiveness. Antonio’s melancholy shapes his presentation from the opening scene.

Motivated chiefly by financial gain rather than affection or principle.

Compassion shown by someone who has the power to punish or harm another person, particularly by reducing or forgiving a penalty.