English Literature key terms

Leaving secretly to marry, usually without a parent's permission.

A letter included within a larger narrative, allowing another character’s words to enter the story.

A narrative placed within another narrative. The creature’s account is enclosed within Victor’s story, which is itself enclosed within Walton’s letters.

A quotation incorporated grammatically into your own sentence.

A feeling, such as love, fear or anger, that can influence a person’s thoughts and actions.

The ability to understand another person’s feelings or experience.

A group of territories and peoples ruled or controlled by another country.

An approach to knowledge based on observation and evidence. Lanyon examines substances and bodily symptoms, but struggles to accept what he witnesses.

An ABBA rhyme pattern in which the outer lines rhyme around a rhyming inner pair.

A pattern in which the first and fourth lines rhyme around a rhyming second and third line: ABBA.

A line of verse that finishes with a grammatical pause, often marked by punctuation.

Mysterious or difficult to understand fully.

The continuation of a sentence or phrase across a line break without a concluding punctuation mark.

The continuation of a sentence or phrase across a line break without a concluding pause.

A scene involving a group of characters whose interactions develop the action.

A military officer who carries a regiment’s flag or standard. Iago’s position is also called an ancient in the play.

A legal restriction directing an estate’s inheritance through a specified family line. Longbourn’s entail excludes the Bennet daughters, making Mr Collins its future heir.

The feeling that someone has a right to particular benefits or treatment. Godfrey assumes that blood relationship and wealth give him a superior claim to Eppie.

Resentment of another person’s advantages or success, often accompanied by a desire to possess them.

A long narrative poem, often concerned with a people’s heroes, history or legends.

An ancient philosophy associated with Epicurus that sought freedom from fear and disturbance, including fear of divine intervention. Cassius's former allegiance helps explain his previous rejection of omens.

A quotation placed before a literary work that helps frame its ideas.

A speech delivered after the main action of a play, often addressing the audience directly.

The use of letters or other written documents to tell parts or all of a story.

A narrative told through letters. Letters identify a particular writer and recipient, giving events a personal viewpoint.

The use of letters within a narrative. Letters can reveal a writer’s character, communicate distant events and control when characters and readers receive information.

Repetition of a word or phrase at the ends of successive clauses, sentences or stanzas.