English Literature key terms

A moment of recognition in which a tragic character understands a crucial truth about their situation or errors.

A comparison that uses a relationship between things to explain or argue for a similar relationship elsewhere.

Close explanation of how a writer’s choices create meanings and effects.

A metrical foot containing two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable.

A metre with four feet per line, each normally containing two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable: da-da-DUM.

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginnings of successive clauses or lines.

A military standard-bearer or ensign; Iago holds this position under Othello.

An appearance combining features conventionally associated with masculinity and femininity.

Relating to the Church of England, the established church represented by Raveloe’s parish church.

Language that compares a person or their behaviour to an animal, suggesting qualities such as instinct, aggression or vulnerability.

The principles developed from old Major’s teachings, including opposition to human domination and equality among animals.

A feeling of hostility or strong resentment towards someone.

A character who opposes another central character and creates conflict in the plot. Shylock acts as Antonio’s antagonist.

A collection of literary works, often by different writers.

A person who studies human societies and cultures.

The attribution of human behaviour or characteristics to animals or other non-human things.

A sudden movement from an exciting or important expectation to a disappointing or diminished outcome, such as opening the recovered chest and finding nothing inside.

Prejudice, hostility or discrimination directed towards Jewish people.

A contrast between opposing ideas, often expressed through a balanced grammatical structure.

An assessment objective rewarding an informed personal response, a critical style and supporting textual references.

An assessment objective rewarding analysis of a writer’s language, form and structure and their meanings and effects.

An assessment objective rewarding understanding of the relationship between a literary text and the contexts in which it was written.

An assessment objective rewarding accurate spelling and punctuation, and vocabulary and sentence structures that communicate meaning effectively.

The system of racial segregation and white minority rule imposed in South Africa, which restricted people’s rights, opportunities and places of residence according to racial classifications.

An unwillingness to become involved or take action. Benjamin’s refusal to use his literacy to challenge abuses illustrates political apathy.

A short, memorable statement expressing a general insight or principle.

A vision of overwhelming destruction or the end of the world, often associated with divine judgement.