A-Level English Literature- Useful Terminology
Altruistic - A person who exists largely to selflessly help and support others- for
no obvious reasons.
Ambiguous - Capable of one or more contradictory meanings.
Ambivalence - Simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as
attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action.
Anagnorisis - The point in the play/novel when a character recognises/discovers
another character's true identity or the true nature of their own circumstances.
Anti-hero - A dominant character whose aims are evil, the opposite of a
traditional hero.
Aphorism - A brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation
about life.
Archetype - A detail, image, or character type that occurs frequently in literature
and myth and is thought to appeal in a universal way.
Blank Verse - When a character speaks in Iambic Pentameter.
Brevity - Shortness; use of few words.
Catharsis - A purging of emotions and feelings, leaving the audience
'cleansed/restored'.
Climax (structure) - Highest point of tension.
Conceit - Form - poem based upon an elaborate, inventive metaphor. That
usually juxtaposes two completely different things.
, Cosmic Unfairness - Opposite of Poetic Justice, a character does not get what
they deserve.
Cuckold - A man married to an unfaithful wife/ the cuckolding of a husband
(OTHELLO CONTEXT).
Denouement (Tragic Structure) - The final revealing of the plot- all elements
finally come together.
Dialogue - Conversation between multiple characters.
Didactic - To teach. Usually a writer's purpose.
Dramatic Irony - Dramatic device involving the audience having more knowledge
than some characters.
Duplicity - Deceitfulness; intending to deceive by speaking and behaving in
different ways.
Elergy - A poem or song which is a lament, usually for someone who has died.
Eponymous - Title character has the name of the play/ novel.
Equivocate - To speak in riddles, deliberately to confuse to achieve a particular
outcome.
Exposition (Tragic Structure) - Sets the tone; introduces characters and settings.
Audience gains an understanding of what the world is like in the story. Important
as it gives the audience the backstory.
Falling Action (Tragic Structure) - Allows the audience to see how the story pans
out; watch as it begins to unravel.
Flat Character - Not necessarily a fully developed character, defined by a single
idea or quality
Altruistic - A person who exists largely to selflessly help and support others- for
no obvious reasons.
Ambiguous - Capable of one or more contradictory meanings.
Ambivalence - Simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as
attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action.
Anagnorisis - The point in the play/novel when a character recognises/discovers
another character's true identity or the true nature of their own circumstances.
Anti-hero - A dominant character whose aims are evil, the opposite of a
traditional hero.
Aphorism - A brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation
about life.
Archetype - A detail, image, or character type that occurs frequently in literature
and myth and is thought to appeal in a universal way.
Blank Verse - When a character speaks in Iambic Pentameter.
Brevity - Shortness; use of few words.
Catharsis - A purging of emotions and feelings, leaving the audience
'cleansed/restored'.
Climax (structure) - Highest point of tension.
Conceit - Form - poem based upon an elaborate, inventive metaphor. That
usually juxtaposes two completely different things.
, Cosmic Unfairness - Opposite of Poetic Justice, a character does not get what
they deserve.
Cuckold - A man married to an unfaithful wife/ the cuckolding of a husband
(OTHELLO CONTEXT).
Denouement (Tragic Structure) - The final revealing of the plot- all elements
finally come together.
Dialogue - Conversation between multiple characters.
Didactic - To teach. Usually a writer's purpose.
Dramatic Irony - Dramatic device involving the audience having more knowledge
than some characters.
Duplicity - Deceitfulness; intending to deceive by speaking and behaving in
different ways.
Elergy - A poem or song which is a lament, usually for someone who has died.
Eponymous - Title character has the name of the play/ novel.
Equivocate - To speak in riddles, deliberately to confuse to achieve a particular
outcome.
Exposition (Tragic Structure) - Sets the tone; introduces characters and settings.
Audience gains an understanding of what the world is like in the story. Important
as it gives the audience the backstory.
Falling Action (Tragic Structure) - Allows the audience to see how the story pans
out; watch as it begins to unravel.
Flat Character - Not necessarily a fully developed character, defined by a single
idea or quality
