English Literature A-Level
The mundane versus the tragic
What The mundane versus the tragic means in English Literature A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of The mundane versus the tragic
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain The mundane versus the tragic in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
The juxtaposition between mundane, everyday imagery such as dogs and the ploughman and profound tragedy such as martyrdom and Icarus.
Topics that use The mundane versus the tragic
- Component 3: Poetry – Section B: Specified Poetry Pre- or Post-1900 – Post-1900 – The Modernist Period – The Great Modern Poets, editor Michael Schmidt (Quercus, 2014) (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Aesthetic Distance
- Alienation
- Alienation and isolation
- Apathy and Indifference
- Art versus Reality
- Care and responsibility
- Child labour and lost innocence
- Childhood innocence
Using The mundane versus the tragic in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise English Literature questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All English Literature A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge