heartstopper
rite of passage
The transition from one phase of life to another. In Heartstopper, this can relate to identity or sexuality.
NRA
(National Rifle Association) A powerful American interest group that fights for citizens’ right to own and carry firearms. They are strongly opposed to stricter gun laws.
Lingua Franca
A common language that people with different native languages use to communicate with each other. In many former colonies, the colonizers' language (e.g., English) became the lingua franca.
Multiculturalism
A society where multiple cultures live side by side and are recognized and respected. This means that different traditions, languages, and religions can coexist within one country.
Freud’s Iceberg Model, especially the ID (unconscious)
Freud’s iceberg model describes how the human psyche is divided into three levels: the conscious, the preconscious, and the unconscious. The unconscious, which Freud calls the ID, contains our instincts and drives—it is ruled by desire and seeks immediate gratification without regard for morality or consequences. This is where repressed feelings and impulses are hidden, and it strongly influences our behavior, even though we are unaware of it.
coming of age
The development of characters through personal or social challenges. In Heartstopper, Charlie and Nick's friendship evolves throughout the story.
Second amendment
Part of the U.S. Constitution that grants citizens the right to bear arms. It states: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.”
Colonisation
When a country takes control over another area, often by settling there and exploiting resources—usually at the expense of the original inhabitants.
immigrant
A person who moves to a new country to settle there permanently, often seeking a better life, work, or to escape war/persecution.
foreshadowing
Foreshadowing means giving subtle hints or signs about what will happen later in a story. It builds suspense and encourages the reader or viewer to pay attention to certain details. It can be something a character says, a symbolic object, or a certain mood that points ahead to an important event.
epiphany
A sudden realization or moment of clarity. For example, in Heartstopper, when Nick comes out as bisexual.
the constitution
The USA’s foundational law, which establishes the country’s laws, rights, and distribution of power. The Second Amendment is one of the 27 additions (amendments) to the Constitution.
Imperialism
A political ideology and practice where a state expands its power and control over other countries or peoples, typically through conquest or economic domination.
migrant
A person who moves from one place to another—either within a country or between countries—often for work. This move can be temporary or permanent.
dystopia
A dystopia is a depiction of a society where everything has gone wrong—often set in the future. It typically involves surveillance, control, oppression, and a loss of freedom. Dystopias often serve as warnings, showing what might happen if power is abused or if technology is misused. They reflect concerns about developments in our own world.
gun control
Legislation and regulations intended to limit or control access to firearms — for example, requirements for background checks, age limits, or bans on certain weapons.
The Stolen Generation
Aboriginal children in Australia who, between around 1910 and 1970, were forcibly removed from their families by authorities as part of efforts to assimilate a minority group, trying to make them give up their culture and become part of the majority culture
The British Empire
The worldwide empire that Britain built from the 1500s until the 20th century. It included large parts of Africa, Asia, America, and Australia.
utopia
A utopia is an ideal world—a perfect society without war, poverty, or injustice. Everyone lives in harmony, with freedom and equality. Utopias reflect dreams and hopes about how the world could be if everything functioned perfectly.
indigenous
People who are the original inhabitants of an area. In Australia, this refers to Aboriginal people who have lived on the continent for tens of thousands of years.
Colonialization
The process by which one country takes control over another territory—politically, economically, and culturally. This was a central part of how the British Empire expanded.