GCSE English Literature · key term

Caricature

Definition

An exaggerated portrayal that makes a character’s distinctive qualities especially noticeable, often for comic or critical effect.

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Paper 1, Paper 2

A portrayal that exaggerates a character’s distinctive features or behaviour, often for comic or critical effect.
The exaggerated description also creates caricature. Scrooge seems so hostile that even blind men’s dogs avoid him. This comic exaggeration makes his selfishness memorable and ridiculous, encouraging readers to reject the behaviour he represents.
Revise: Writer's methods
An exaggerated portrayal of a character’s distinctive traits, often used for comedy or criticism.
Revise: Writer's methods

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A representation that exaggerates recognisable characteristics to expose or ridicule them.

Paper 1, Paper 2

An exaggerated portrayal that emphasises distinctive traits, often to ridicule or criticise its subject.
In the opening stage directions of Act One, Priestley describes Birling as a “heavy-looking, rather portentous man”. His substantial appearance and self-important manner give an actor opportunities to make him seem impressive while exposing his pomposity. He can be understood as a caricature of the wealthy capitalist businessman who treats his opinions as unquestionable facts.
Revise: Mr Birling
Revise: Writer's methods
A character whose prominent qualities are exaggerated for comic or critical effect.
Revise: Lady Catherine de Bourgh

1 more note

An exaggerated representation of a person or group, often used for comic or critical effect.
Revise: The Class Game

Paper 1

An exaggerated portrayal that makes selected characteristics especially noticeable, often to ridicule or criticise them.
Priestley presents Birling as a caricature of a selfish capitalist: his greed, self-importance and certainty are exaggerated to expose the dangers of treating profit as more important than people. Capitalism itself means private ownership of businesses for profit; Birling embodies Priestley’s criticism of a particular ruthless attitude within it.
Revise: Mr Birling
An exaggerated portrayal that makes a character’s distinctive features or behaviour especially noticeable, often for comic or satirical purposes.
Revise: Writer's methods

Component 2

A portrayal that exaggerates distinctive characteristics to expose or ridicule them.
Birling can be read as a caricature of a capitalist businessman. His repeated speeches, self-congratulation and emphasis on financial gain exaggerate the outlook Priestley wants the audience to question. Yet his insecurity gives this caricature a recognisable motive: he wants to preserve both his wealth and the social recognition it brings.
Revise: Mr Birling