Post 1914 Prose/Drama (WJEC)

Post-1914 Era

A period marked by profound literary and social transformations due to World War I and its consequences.

World War I (1914-1918)

A global conflict that shattered pre-war optimism and deepened societal disillusionment.

Loss of Innocence

The theme representing the shift from naive perspectives to the harsh realities of life, often emphasized in literature post-1914.

Trauma and Psychological Impact

Explores themes of psychological scars, particularly PTSD, caused by warfare.

Interwar Period (1918-1939)

A time characterized by economic instability, political extremism, and rapid social change.

The Great Depression

An economic downturn that severely impacted the global economy during the interwar period.

Political Extremism

The rise of extreme political ideologies like fascism and communism following World War I.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state holds total authority and citizens' freedoms are limited.

Existentialism

A philosophical movement focusing on individual existence, freedom, and choice, greatly influenced by war's horrors.

Social Welfare State

A governmental system aimed at providing social services and addressing inequalities in the aftermath of World War II.

Multiculturalism

The coexistence of diverse cultures, often explored in literature reflecting social identity changes.

Diction

The choice of words and style of expression that contributes to the tone and theme of a text.

Imagery

Descriptive language that creates visual representations in literature, enhancing meaning and emotional response.

Narrative Perspective

The viewpoint from which a story is told, influencing the reader's understanding of events.

Character Development

The evolution of a character's traits and roles throughout a narrative.

Social Responsibility

The concept of individuals and society being accountable for addressing social injustices.

Power and Authority

Themes exploring how power is gained, exercised, and its effects on individuals and groups.

Identity and Belonging

Explores personal and cultural identity, alongside the need for connection within communities.

Friendship and Relationships

Themes investigating the complexities and challenges of human connections in literature.

Dramatic Structure

The organization of a play's components, building tension and revealing information.

Cyclical Structures

Narrative techniques that illustrate themes of repetition and inevitability through returning events.

Symbolic Characters

Characters that represent larger sociopolitical ideas or groups, often used in allegorical literature.

Setting

The time and place in which a story unfolds, influencing mood and character development.

Language Techniques

Literary devices such as diction, tone, and dialogue used to convey themes and emotions.

Dramatic Irony

A situation where the audience knows more than the characters, creating tension.

Literary Analysis

The examination of literature to uncover deeper meanings and authors' intentions.

Extract Analysis

The practice of examining specific sections of text to inform a broader thematic exploration.

Quotation Integration

The method of smoothly including quotes into analysis to support arguments.

SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar)

Essential components of writing that must be mastered to ensure clarity and coherence in literary essays.

Modernism and Postmodernism

Literary movements characterized by experimentation with forms and techniques reflecting contemporary realities.

Social Change

Transformations in societal norms, structures, and values resulting from historical events.

Technological Advancements

Innovations affecting society and literature, addressing themes such as alienation and connectivity.

Psychological States

The mental and emotional conditions of characters influenced by their historical and social contexts.

Disillusionment

A sense of disappointment arising from the realization that something is not as good as one believed it to be.