Key terms & definitions

The ability of a material to withstand sudden blows without breaking.

A physical, sensory or mental condition or difference that can affect how a person carries out activities.

Making judgements fairly, without favouring someone because of personal interests, relationships or prejudice.

Giving appropriate weight to relevant viewpoints rather than unfairly favouring one side.

A process through which the House of Commons accused someone of serious wrongdoing, with the House of Lords hearing the case.

An obstacle or barrier. At Jane’s wedding, Rochester’s existing marriage is a legal impediment to another marriage.

A word or phrase expressing a command or instruction. Its effect may be pleading, reassuring or forceful, depending on its context.

A verb form used to give an instruction or direction, as in ‘Check the opening times.’

A sentence that gives a command or instruction.

A Latin title meaning ‘commander’, used as an acclamation recognising a victorious Roman commander.

The desire to extend a country’s power overseas by claiming territory, establishing colonies or controlling trade.

The ruler’s power to command obedience and enforce decisions across an empire.

The worship of Roman emperors, including Augustus, through religious honours and institutions.

The extension of a state's power over additional territories and peoples, through conquest or other forms of control.

The extension or maintenance of a country’s power over other territories and peoples.

The extension of a country’s power over other territories and peoples. The novel connects its London mystery with British imperial activity overseas.

The decisions and rules through which a government expands, governs and benefits from territories under its control.

Material intended to shape people’s beliefs and attitudes in favour of imperial expansion or rule.

Money and precious metals held by the government to fund its activities.

A conflict connected with extending, defending or challenging an empire’s power over territories and peoples.

The authority of a Roman magistrate to command, including command of an army.

The teaching that things arise, change and pass away rather than remaining permanently the same.

Rock or another material that does not allow water to pass through it easily.

An understanding of the divine as a reality or power without personal characteristics, rather than a being who enters relationships with individuals.

The attachment of an early embryo to the lining of the uterus.

The attachment and embedding of an embryo in the lining of the uterus.

A particular way of putting a plan into practice. A computer program is an implementation of an algorithm.

Meaning suggested by a text rather than stated directly.

A story suggested rather than fully shown, which the audience helps construct from available clues.

An opinion suggested through language or selected details rather than stated directly.