English Literature GCSE
Juxtaposition
What Juxtaposition means in English Literature GCSE, as defined for Eduqas, OCR, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Juxtaposition
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Placing two contrasting elements side by side to highlight their differences.
Two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
The placement of two contrasting ideas, images, or words side by side to highlight their differences. In 'Nettles', the son's 'tender skin' is juxtaposed with the father's 'slashed in fury' actions.
The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. Dickens juxtaposes the wealth of Scrooge with the poverty of the Cratchits.
Placing two contrasting ideas, characters, or settings close together to highlight their differences.
Topics that use Juxtaposition
- A Christmas Carol (Eduqas GCSE)
- Component 1 (Eduqas GCSE)
- Component 2 (Eduqas GCSE)
- Hawk Roosting (Eduqas GCSE)
- Mametz Wood (Eduqas GCSE)
- Miracle on St David's Day (Eduqas GCSE)
- Reading comprehension and reading critically (Eduqas GCSE)
- Section A (20%) Post 1914 Prose/Drama (Eduqas GCSE)
- Skirrid Hill (Eduqas GCSE)
- Subject Content (Eduqas GCSE)
- A Christmas Carol (OCR GCSE)
- Conflict Anthology (OCR GCSE)
- Nettles (OCR GCSE)
- Critical Reading (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Literal and Inferential Comprehension (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Poetry (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Poetry since 1789 – Pearson Poetry Anthology (choice of collection: Relationships, Conflict, Time and Place, Belonging) (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Writing – Producing Clear and Coherent Text (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
Using Juxtaposition in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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