Key Words and Vocabulary for Kindertransport Essays

Li-ling Ooi English Literature, Kindertransport, Resources 0

Using precise vocabulary can help you explain ideas clearly in an essay on Kindertransport. Choose words that match the character, theme or dramatic method you are discussing, then expand on how the word applies to the play. You do not need complex language in every sentence, but a targeted number of well-chosen terms can make your analysis more focused.

For more essay writing practice, visit our collection of Kindertransport past exam questions and see if you can incorporate some of these key words into your practise essays.

1. Key Words for Themes, Characters and Relationships

Separation
Separation is the physical or emotional division between people, places or ways of life.
Eva’s separation from Helga and Werner begins the central conflict of the play but its effects continue into Evelyn’s adult life.
Example: Samuels presents separation as an experience that continues to affect Evelyn’s identity and relationships.

Displacement
Displacement means being forced to leave your home or familiar surroundings.
Eva is displaced when she leaves Germany to live with Lil in England.
Example: Eva’s displacement leaves her dependent on strangers and uncertain about where she belongs.

Belonging
Belonging means feeling accepted, secure and connected to a place or group.
Eva gradually develops a sense of belonging in England. By the time Helga arrives to see her in England, Evelyn regards England as her home.
Example: Evelyn’s refusal to leave with Helga reveals how strongly she now belongs to her English family.

Identity
Identity refers to a person’s understanding of who they are.
Eva’s name, language, religion, nationality and family background all contribute to her identity.
Example: Samuels explores Eva’s change in identity through her evolution into Evelyn.

Assimilation
Assimilation means adapting to another culture and gradually adopting its language, customs or way of life.
Eva learns English, changes her name and becomes part of Lil’s family.
Example: Eva’s assimilation into British life gives her security and increases the distance between her and Helga.

Abandonment
Abandonment is the feeling that someone has left or rejected you.
Helga sends Eva away to save her life, but Evelyn later feels that her mother abandoned her.
Example: Evelyn’s feeling of being abandoned contributes to her anger towards Helga.

Trauma
Trauma is the long term emotional effect of a frightening or painful experience.
Eva’s separation, journey and family losses continue to affect Evelyn many years later.
Example: Evelyn’s distress in the attic reveals the lasting effects of childhood trauma.

Repression
Repression means pushing painful thoughts or feelings away and refusing to discuss them.
Evelyn hides objects from her childhood and avoids answering Faith’s questions or sharing about her family history.
Example: Evelyn represses her memories because she fears that speaking about them will release emotions she cannot control.

Guilt
Guilt is the feeling that you have done something wrong or survived while others have suffered.
Evelyn carries guilt connected with her survival, her parents and the identity she left behind.
Example: The Ratcatcher represents the fear and guilt that continue to follow Evelyn.

Contradiction
A contradiction occurs when opposing ideas or feelings exist together.
Helga saves Eva by sending her away but that also causes her lasting emotional pain.
Example: The relationship contains a painful contradiction: Helga protects Eva by sending her away.

Generational conflict
Generational conflict describes the difference/disagreement between people from different generations.
Faith wants to uncover the family’s history, while Evelyn wants to keep it private.
Example: The conflict between Evelyn and Faith develops from their different attitudes towards identity, memory and secrets.

2. Key Words for Stagecraft and Dramatic Methods

Symbolism
Symbolism occurs when a character, object or setting is used to represent a larger idea.
The attic represents hidden memory, while the Ratcatcher represents fear, guilt and separation.
Example: Samuels uses the attic as a symbol of the past that Evelyn has tried to contain.

Motif
A motif is an image, sound or idea that appears repeatedly.
Trains, journeys, packing and pipe music recur throughout the play.
Example: The recurring train motif connects Eva’s journeys with separation and change.

Non-linear structure
A non-linear structure presents events beyond a simple chronological order.
The play moves between Eva’s childhood and Evelyn’s adult life simultaneously.
Example: The non-linear structure allows the audience to see how the past continues to affect the present.

Dual representation
Dual representation means presenting the same character in two different forms.
Eva and Evelyn are played by separate actors, allowing both stages of her life to appear on stage.
Example: The dual representation of Eva and Evelyn makes the changes in her identity clear.

Simultaneous staging
Simultaneous staging places characters or scenes from different time periods on stage at the same time.
Eva and Helga may appear beside Evelyn and Faith in the attic.
Example: Samuels uses simultaneous staging to compare mothers and daughters across generations.

Gradual revelation
Gradual revelation means releasing important information in stages.
Faith first discovers objects, then questions Lil, before Evelyn begins to explain the truth.
Example: Samuels uses gradual revelation to increase tension and uncover Evelyn’s history slowly.

Open ending
An open ending leaves some questions or conflicts unresolved.
Faith plans to investigate the family history, while Evelyn remains in the attic beneath the Ratcatcher’s shadow.
Example: The open ending leaves the audience uncertain about whether Evelyn will ever fully confront her past.