War and conflict
What War and conflict means in English Literature A-Level, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of War and conflict
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain War and conflict in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Warfare as literal conflict or as a metaphor for class, gender or colonial struggle, often exposing its human cost rather than glorifying it.
The English Civil War, during which the speaker leaves his lover to fight, with war personified as a new mistress.
Topics that use War and conflict
- Elements of political and social protest writing (AQA A-Level)
- Component 3: Poetry – Section B: Specified Poetry Pre- or Post-1900 – Pre-1900 – Metaphysical Poetry – Metaphysical Poetry, editor Colin Burrow (Penguin, 2006) (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Power and powerlessness
- Alchemy and Science
- Ambition and power
- Awakening and Enlightenment
- Christian faith and resurrection
- Conceit
- Coterie and community
- Culture, history and continuity over time
Using War and conflict 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.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge