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GCSE English Literature · key term
A major change in a character's situation or fortunes. In the trial, Shylock changes from demanding punishment to facing punishment himself.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Paper 1
A major reversal in a character’s situation or fortunes. The trial reverses Shylock’s position from claimant to someone facing punishment.
Revise: Mercy, justice and the lawThe reversal continues when she stops his departure: “Tarry, Jew: / The law hath yet another hold on you.” The metaphor of a “hold” makes law sound like a physical trap. Portia invokes a law against an alien attempting a citizen’s life.
Paper 1, Paper 2
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A change that turns an established situation or pattern into its opposite.
This is a reversal, not simply another example of silence. Earlier, Leah pursued a response while Phil withheld one. Now Phil seeks contact and Leah refuses it.
A sudden change in a character’s situation or in the direction of the action.
