English Literature IGCSE

Juxtaposition

What Juxtaposition means in English Literature IGCSE, as defined for Cambridge International, 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.

Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel · A Midsummer Night's Dream (study guide), Antony and Cleopatra (study guide), Hullaballoo in the Guava Orchard (study guide), Songs of Ourselves Volume 1 (Selected) (study guide), Unseen Critical Commentary (study guide), Great Expectations (study guide)

Placing two elements close together for contrasting effect.

Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel · Songs of Ourselves Volume 2 Part 3 (Selected) (study guide), Death and the King's Horseman (study guide)

Placing two contrasting elements side by side to highlight their differences.

Cambridge International · Stories of Ourselves Volume 2 (Selected) (study guide)

Placing two contrasting things close together to highlight their differences.

Cambridge International · To Kill a Mockingbird (study guide)

Placing two elements close together to highlight their contrast.

Pearson Edexcel · Klara and the Sun (study guide)

Placing two things close together for contrasting effect.

Pearson Edexcel · Kindertransport (study guide)

Topics that use Juxtaposition

A Midsummer Night's Dream (Cambridge International IGCSE)
Antony and Cleopatra (Cambridge International IGCSE)
Hullaballoo in the Guava Orchard (Cambridge International IGCSE)
Songs of Ourselves Volume 1 (Selected) (Cambridge International IGCSE)
Songs of Ourselves Volume 2 Part 3 (Selected) (Cambridge International IGCSE)
Stories of Ourselves Volume 2 (Selected) (Cambridge International IGCSE)
To Kill a Mockingbird (Cambridge International IGCSE)
Unseen Critical Commentary (Cambridge International IGCSE)
Death and the King's Horseman (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)
Great Expectations (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)
Kindertransport (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)
Klara and the Sun (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)

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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