English Literature key terms

A professional entertainer permitted to mock social superiors within the conventions of their role, although still dependent on their employers.

An army officer who acts as a commander’s deputy; Cassio initially holds this position under Othello.

Third-person narration that mainly restricts the reader to the knowledge and experience of a particular character.

The connected argument developed across an answer, with each paragraph contributing to its overall interpretation.

The ability to read and write. In Animal Farm, unequal literacy gives the pigs greater control over laws and information.

Applying a rule or agreement according to its exact words rather than its broader purpose.

The straightforward meaning of words in their immediate context.

A literary work or story that a writer draws on and adapts when creating a new work.

A form of understatement that expresses an idea by denying its opposite, such as describing a misleading claim as not entirely untrue.

A church appointment providing a clergyman with an income, often awarded by a patron.

A mystery involving a crime committed in a room that appears to have been securely closed, making entry and escape seem impossible.

Persuasion through reasoning or apparent proof; an argument can sound logical without being reliable.

The painful feeling of lacking meaningful connection with others, even when other people are nearby.

A temporary leader of Christmas festivities who presided over games, entertainment and revelry.

Emotional suffering caused by love that is frustrated, uncertain or unreturned.

An object that represents affection or commitment between lovers.

A relationship in which three people’s romantic desires are entangled. In Twelfth Night, Viola loves Orsino, Orsino loves Olivia, and Olivia loves Viola’s male disguise, Cesario.

Commitment to a person, promise, community or belief, especially when keeping that commitment becomes difficult.

Clear awareness, thought or communication.

A soothing song traditionally sung to help a child fall asleep.

The Roman festival celebrated on 15 February, associated in the play with a ceremonial race and a belief that ritual contact could promote fertility.

A short poem expressing a speaker’s personal feelings, often with musical qualities created by rhythm and rhyme.

A poem that expresses a speaker’s personal feelings, often with musical qualities.

A conventional scheming villain in Renaissance drama who uses calculation and deception to gain power.

Supernatural power used to affect people, events or the natural world. In The Tempest, Prospero's learned art enables him to command spirits.

The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding word, often for comic effect.

A dissatisfied, resentful character who feels alienated from society and criticises or disrupts it.