AQA Critical anthology approaches Key Terms

Diegesis

The narrative or plot of a story, encompassing the events that occur within the fictional world.

Metanarrative

A narrative that comments on the nature of storytelling itself, often questioning the reliability of narratives.

Narrative perspective

The point of view from which a story is told, affecting how information is presented and interpreted.

Unreliable narrator

A narrator whose credibility is compromised, leading to a distorted or biased account of events.

Intersectionality

A concept that explores how various social identities (such as race, gender, and class) intersect and contribute to unique experiences of oppression or privilege.

Subversion

The act of undermining or challenging established norms and values, particularly those related to gender and power.

Intersectionality

A framework for understanding how various forms of inequality and discrimination overlap and intersect, particularly in relation to gender, race, and class.

Gynocriticism

A feminist literary theory that focuses on women's writing and the female experience, emphasizing the importance of women's voices in literature.

Proletariat

The working class, who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

Bourgeoisie

The capitalist class who own the means of production and are often seen as oppressors of the proletariat.

Proletariat

The working class, who sell their labor for wages and are often exploited by the bourgeoisie.

Bourgeoisie

The capitalist class who own the means of production and hold power over the proletariat.

Biocentrism

An ethical perspective that places intrinsic value on all living beings, not just humans.

Ecological Awareness

Understanding the interdependence of all living organisms and their environments.

Biocentrism

An ethical perspective that gives intrinsic value to all living beings, not just humans.

Ecological footprint

A measure of the environmental impact of an individual or community, often discussed in relation to sustainability.

Post-colonialism

A critical framework that examines the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonialism and its aftermath.

Decolonization

The process of undoing colonial rule and its effects, often involving cultural and political reclamation.

Subaltern

A term used to describe populations that are socially, politically, and geographically outside of the hegemonic power structure.

Mimicry

The act of imitating the colonizer's culture, often resulting in a complex relationship between the colonized and the colonizer.

Canon

A collection of works that are considered essential reading within a particular literary tradition.

Value

The significance or worth of a literary work, often assessed through its themes, style, and impact.

Intertextuality

The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence one another.

Reception Theory

A literary theory that focuses on the reader's experience and interpretation of a text.