A-Level English Literature (correct answers)
Allegory correct answers characters and events represent qualities or concepts
Alliteration correct answers repetition of initial consonant sounds
Allusion correct answers a reference to a literary work, myth, Biblical story, historical
event, or some other cultural artefact
Apostrophe correct answers An address, exclamation, or question posed to someone or
something, usually not present but as though it is
Archetype correct answers the original pattern or model from which all other similar
items are derived; a primordial, universal symbol
Assonance correct answers repetition of vowel sounds in a series of words
Characterization correct answers process of character development in a text
Static Character correct answers Remains unchanged throughout a work (e.g. Charley)
Dynamic Character correct answers Change (for better or worse) in response to
circumstances or experience
Flat Character correct answers Caricatures, defined by a single idea or quality
Round Character correct answers fully developed, with complexities of real people
Protagonist correct answers central character, usually identical to the hero
Antagonist correct answers Character pitted against the protagonist
Foil correct answers Character, who by contrast with the protagonist, serves to
accentuate that character's distinctive qualities
Chiasmus correct answers Repetition in which certain words, sounds, concepts or
syntactical structures are reversed or repeated in reverse order (2 parts of a chiastic
whole mirror each other as go the parts of the letter X); chiastic structure may heighten
paradox
Comedy correct answers any amusing and entertaining work using humor or wit as the
essential element; intended purpose may be to evoke laughter
Conflict correct answers confrontation or struggle between opposing characters or plot
of narrative work, from which the action emanates and around which it evolves. There
are 4 types.
, Physical Conflict correct answers Elemental clash between character and Nature, or the
physical environment
Social Conflict correct answers competition or struggle within society
Internal/psychological Conflict correct answers inner divisions or turmoil of a single
character
Metaphysical Conflict correct answers Clash between a human being and Fate or a
deity
Connotation correct answers The associations called up by a word that goes beyond its
dictionary meaning. Poets, especially, tends to use words rich in connotation.
Consonance correct answers Repetition of consonant sounds, not necessarily initial
Convention correct answers A customary feature of a literay work, such as the use of a
chorus in Greek tragedy, the inclusion of an explicit moral in a fable, or the use of a
particular rhyme scheme in a villanelle. Literary conventions are defining features of
particular literary genres, such as novel, short story, ballad or play.
Denotation correct answers The dictionary meaning of the word. Writers typically play
off word's denotative meaning against its connotations, or suggested and implied
associational implications.
Denouement correct answers The resolution of the plot of a literary work.
Diction correct answers An author's choice of words
Enjambment correct answers use of a line of poetry whose sense and rhythmic
movement continues to the next line; "run-off" line
Epiphany correct answers Sudden revelatory experience through which a character
suddenly understands the essence of a (generally commonplace) object, gesture,
statement, situation, moment or mentality - that is, when one "sees" the commonplace
for what it really is beneath the surface and perceives its inner workings, its nature.
Flashback correct answers Presentation of events that occur before the time of the
current narration; various methods can be used, including memories, dream sequences,
stories or narration by characters, or even authorial sovereighnty
Hyperbole correct answers overstatement or exaggeration
Imagery correct answers diction that appeals to the senses; sight, sound, taste, smell,
touvh, motion
Allegory correct answers characters and events represent qualities or concepts
Alliteration correct answers repetition of initial consonant sounds
Allusion correct answers a reference to a literary work, myth, Biblical story, historical
event, or some other cultural artefact
Apostrophe correct answers An address, exclamation, or question posed to someone or
something, usually not present but as though it is
Archetype correct answers the original pattern or model from which all other similar
items are derived; a primordial, universal symbol
Assonance correct answers repetition of vowel sounds in a series of words
Characterization correct answers process of character development in a text
Static Character correct answers Remains unchanged throughout a work (e.g. Charley)
Dynamic Character correct answers Change (for better or worse) in response to
circumstances or experience
Flat Character correct answers Caricatures, defined by a single idea or quality
Round Character correct answers fully developed, with complexities of real people
Protagonist correct answers central character, usually identical to the hero
Antagonist correct answers Character pitted against the protagonist
Foil correct answers Character, who by contrast with the protagonist, serves to
accentuate that character's distinctive qualities
Chiasmus correct answers Repetition in which certain words, sounds, concepts or
syntactical structures are reversed or repeated in reverse order (2 parts of a chiastic
whole mirror each other as go the parts of the letter X); chiastic structure may heighten
paradox
Comedy correct answers any amusing and entertaining work using humor or wit as the
essential element; intended purpose may be to evoke laughter
Conflict correct answers confrontation or struggle between opposing characters or plot
of narrative work, from which the action emanates and around which it evolves. There
are 4 types.
, Physical Conflict correct answers Elemental clash between character and Nature, or the
physical environment
Social Conflict correct answers competition or struggle within society
Internal/psychological Conflict correct answers inner divisions or turmoil of a single
character
Metaphysical Conflict correct answers Clash between a human being and Fate or a
deity
Connotation correct answers The associations called up by a word that goes beyond its
dictionary meaning. Poets, especially, tends to use words rich in connotation.
Consonance correct answers Repetition of consonant sounds, not necessarily initial
Convention correct answers A customary feature of a literay work, such as the use of a
chorus in Greek tragedy, the inclusion of an explicit moral in a fable, or the use of a
particular rhyme scheme in a villanelle. Literary conventions are defining features of
particular literary genres, such as novel, short story, ballad or play.
Denotation correct answers The dictionary meaning of the word. Writers typically play
off word's denotative meaning against its connotations, or suggested and implied
associational implications.
Denouement correct answers The resolution of the plot of a literary work.
Diction correct answers An author's choice of words
Enjambment correct answers use of a line of poetry whose sense and rhythmic
movement continues to the next line; "run-off" line
Epiphany correct answers Sudden revelatory experience through which a character
suddenly understands the essence of a (generally commonplace) object, gesture,
statement, situation, moment or mentality - that is, when one "sees" the commonplace
for what it really is beneath the surface and perceives its inner workings, its nature.
Flashback correct answers Presentation of events that occur before the time of the
current narration; various methods can be used, including memories, dream sequences,
stories or narration by characters, or even authorial sovereighnty
Hyperbole correct answers overstatement or exaggeration
Imagery correct answers diction that appeals to the senses; sight, sound, taste, smell,
touvh, motion
