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GCSE English Literature · key term
Insulting, contemptuous treatment of someone.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Paper 1
Revise: The De LaceysSpeaking to Walton in the letter of September 12th, he asks, “Why do you not hate Felix, who drove his friend from his door with contumely?” The rhetorical question challenges the unequal judgement of human and creature. “Friend” insists on his own benevolent intentions, while “contumely” means contemptuous, insulting treatment.
Paper 2
Insulting or contemptuous treatment.
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Speaking to Walton in Walton, in continuation, September 12th, the creature asks, “Why do you not hate Felix, who drove his friend from his door with contumely?” The rhetorical question challenges a moral judgement that condemns the creature while overlooking human cruelty. “His friend” refers to the creature’s secret help, although Felix had not known him as a friend.
