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GCSE English Literature · key term
The decisive point of greatest tension in a narrative, where the central conflict reaches its most intense stage.
Used by AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas
Paper 1
A decisive moment of heightened tension at which a central conflict reaches its turning point.
Revise: Plot overviewThe bond plot reaches its climax in Act 4 Scene 1. Shylock refuses repayment offers and insists on the pound of flesh. Portia arrives disguised as Balthasar, a doctor of laws, with Nerissa as her clerk.
The point of greatest tension or decisive recognition in a narrative.
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A point of greatest intensity or decisive action in a narrative.
A point of especially intense conflict or action in a narrative.
The point of greatest tension or decisive action in a narrative. The Thames pursuit is the action climax of these chapters.
Paper 1, Paper 2
The point of greatest dramatic tension or a decisive turning point in the action.
Revise: Plot overviewAct 4 Scene 1 contains the play’s principal climax: the trial before the Duke of Venice. Shylock refuses offers of more money because he wants the penalty, not repayment. Nerissa enters first, disguised as a lawyer’s clerk, and presents Bellario’s letter.
The point of greatest tension or decisive change in a narrative.
The decisive or most intense point in a narrative, where its central conflict reaches a turning point.
Paper 1, Paper 2
The most intense or decisive point in a plot, when its central conflict reaches a crisis.
Revise: Plot overviewCathy then takes Adam away with Brian to carry out the killing, despite Leah’s objections. This is the climax because the group moves from concealing a presumed death to deliberately causing one.
A turning point of intense dramatic tension at which the central conflict reaches a decisive stage.
The decisive high point of a plot, when its main conflict reaches its greatest intensity.
Component 1, Component 2
A decisive, high-tension moment in a plot. The trial in Act 4 Scene 1 is the climax of the bond plot.
Revise: Plot overviewThe bond plot reaches its climax in Act 4 Scene 1. Shylock refuses repayment and demands Antonio’s flesh. Portia arrives disguised as the legal expert Balthasar, accompanied by Nerissa as a clerk.
The point of greatest dramatic tension, when a central conflict reaches its decisive stage.
A moment of especially intense conflict or revelation towards which the action builds.
A decisive turning point or moment of greatest intensity in a narrative.
