OCR GCSE English Literature key terms

Treating someone unfairly because of their race or perceived racial identity.

Unjust treatment based on race or ethnicity.

A school offering free instruction to extremely poor people who might be excluded from other educational institutions. Dickens supported these schools as a response to neglect and ignorance.

The position someone holds in a social hierarchy, associated in Austen’s novel with family connections, titles, wealth and landownership.

An explanation used to make troubling behaviour seem reasonable or acceptable.

A dramatic form that presents recognisable settings, believable relationships and speech resembling everyday conversation.

The ability to consider evidence and make judgments rather than act only on immediate feelings.

Beginning a new romantic relationship while still emotionally affected by the ending of a previous one.

Love returned by both people, with each responding to the other's affection.

A relationship in which affection, trust or support is given and received by both people.

The recovery of someone from harmful behaviour towards a better way of living. The Ghost of Christmas Past uses this word for its purpose in helping Scrooge.

The restoration of a friendly relationship after conflict.

Being saved from wrongdoing or its consequences; in literature, this often involves moral transformation.

A line or phrase repeated at intervals in a poem or song.

The murder of a monarch.

Claiming to uphold religious principles while behaving in ways that contradict them.

Money sent by someone living abroad to relatives or others in their country of origin.

Deep regret for having done wrong, rather than simply fear of punishment or discovery.

An action intended to repair harm or make amends for wrongdoing.

Sincere remorse for wrongdoing, accompanied by a change in attitude towards it.

A feeling or wish that is held back rather than openly expressed.

The suppression or restraint of feelings, desires or behaviour.

A system of government without a monarch, usually claiming to place authority in the people or their representatives.

The judgement other people form about someone’s character or conduct; it may differ from the truth.

Opposition to control or an imposed situation, which may take the form of action, speech or emotional refusal.

The final part of a plot in which its main conflicts are settled; in comedy this often involves reconciliation and marriage.

A socially approved reputation for moral behaviour, self-control and good standing.