A Christmas Carol: Vocabulary Test

allegory

literary work with characters and events that represent an idea, concepts or belief

cyclical structure

when a text begins and ends in the same place or with the same idea

didactic

intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive

Figurative Language

language that goes beyond its literal meaning to create imagery, associations or dramatic effect

Foil

a character that has characteristics that oppose another character

Hero’s Journey

a common narrative involving a hero going on an adventure, learning a lesson and using their newfound knowlede to win a victory

novella

a short novel

stave

a verse of a stanza, poem, song

symbolism

use of people/things to represent powerful ideas/qualities

apparition

ghost/ghostlike image of a person

avaricious

showing/having an extreme greed for wealth/material gain

benevolence

the quality of being well meaning/kindness

destitute

extremely poor and lacking the means to provide for oneself

exploitation

the action/fact of treating someone unfairly

metamorphosis

a change in form/nature of a person/thing into a completely different one

morality

principles concerning the distinction between right/wrong and good/bad behaviour

philanthropic

seeking to promote the welfare of others; generous and benevolent

parsimonious

unwilling to spend money/use resources

repentance

the action of regret/remorse