English Literature key terms

A rumoured postponement of organ donations for a couple who can prove that they are genuinely in love.

A historical belief that individuals or societies could decline into a supposedly more primitive condition. It is not the same as Darwin’s theory of evolution.

A nineteenth-century belief that human beings or civilisation could decline into a supposedly more primitive condition. It is historical context, not an accepted explanation of criminal behaviour.

Language or representation that denies a person’s full humanity, for example by presenting them as an animal or monster.

A political belief combining socialist aims, such as reducing inequality and exploitation, with democratic government and political freedom.

The destruction of confidence, morale or the will to resist.

A character’s refusal to acknowledge an unwelcome reality.

The resolution following a story’s climax, when its complications are usually explained or settled.

A public accusation or condemnation of someone.

A person who relies on someone else for financial support or care. At Gateshead, Jane’s dependence is used to demand her obedience.

A ruler who has had their position unlawfully taken by someone else.

A group chosen to approach others on behalf of a larger community; in the novel, Ogilvy, Stent and Henderson join the group approaching the Martians.

A reduced emotional response to something disturbing after repeated exposure to it.

A historical label for people judged worthy of assistance because they were considered hardworking or unable to support themselves. It reflects a judgement about poverty, not an objective division between people.

Overwhelming unhappiness associated with the loss of hope.

Severely controlling and demanding obedience, with little regard for another person’s freedom.

Rule through absolute authority, with little respect for another person’s freedom or wishes.

Extreme poverty in which a person lacks the money and resources needed for food, shelter and other necessities.

A narrative genre in which an investigator uses clues and reasoning to uncover the explanation of a crime.

A variety of language associated with a region or social group, including distinctive vocabulary and grammar.

Written conversation between characters, through which a writer can reveal personality, relationships and conflict.

The spread of a people beyond their ancestral homeland, including later generations who retain connections to it.

A Roman political office granting exceptional authority. Caesar's appointment as dictator in perpetuity made his power lifelong and intensified fears of one-man rule.

A system of government in which a ruler holds concentrated power and suppresses meaningful opposition.

Intended to teach a lesson, especially a moral lesson. A didactic play uses its characters and events to encourage audiences to reconsider their beliefs or behaviour.

A text intended to teach a lesson, particularly a moral lesson about how people should behave.

Writing intended to teach a lesson, particularly a moral lesson about how people should behave.