GCSE English Literature · key term

Vocation

Definition

A strong sense of being called to a particular occupation or purpose, especially religious service.

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Paper 1

A strong sense of being called to a particular kind of work or service, often religious.
Although he loves her, he rejects marriage because he believes she would not suit his missionary vocation. His commitment involves real self-denial, but it is also connected with ambition and a desire to accomplish great things.
Revise: Chapters 28 to 35: Moor House
A strong sense of being called to a particular occupation or way of life, especially religious service.
Revise: St John Rivers

1
Keep St John’s sincerity and his coerciveness together in your argument. Jane admires his vocation without accepting that it should become hers.

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Paper 2

Revise: Chapters 28 to 35: Moor House
A strong sense of being called to a particular occupation or way of life, especially religious service.
Revise: St John Rivers
A calling to a particular kind of work or life, especially one understood as coming from God.
Revise: Religion

Paper 1

St John separates romantic attraction from his chosen vocation: he rejects the woman he desires and seeks a wife suited to his work instead. His refusal shows impressive self-discipline, but it also raises the question of whether he gives human affection too little value.
Revise: Chapters 28 to 35: Moor House
A strong sense of being called to a particular occupation or purpose, often understood as a religious calling.
Revise: St John Rivers
A person’s sense of being called to particular work, especially service believed to be required by God.
Revise: Religion

Component 2

An emotional or spiritual calling towards a particular kind of work or way of life.
Jane respects his work and can imagine helping him, but does not feel a vocation of her own. She fears the climate and his relentless demands; above all, he offers marriage without romantic love. Jane’s private reflection in Chapter 34 states, “If I join St. John, I abandon half myself”.
Revise: Chapters 28 to 35: Moor House
Revise: St John Rivers
A calling to a particular kind of work or life, especially one understood as coming from God.
Revise: Religion