" The minister grew comparatively calm".
Bantam Classic
Pg.136
i think comparison is the root word but im not quite sure how it fitsin twith the quote.
A reference for vocabulary words in American Literature
" The minister grew comparatively calm".
"where, asked he, with a look askance at them".
" Thus Roger Chillingworth scrutinized his patient carefully".
" But it was a remarkable attribute of this garb, and indeed of the childs whole
appearance".
" I have striven with my young brother here, under whose preaching of the word
you have been privelaged to sit".
Hester bade little Pearl run down to the margin of
the water.
Bantam Classic
Pg. 152
i beleive this means to ask or suggest.
"Hester gazed after him a little while, looking with a half-fantastic curiosityBantam Classic
to see whether the tender grass of early spring would not be blighted beneath
him and show the wavering track of his footsteps..."
"The leaves might bestrew him, and the soil gradually accumulate and form a little hillock over his frame, no matter whether there were life in it or no."
Bantam Classic
pg.170
I am assuming that because it sounds like "hill" this word is similar to it.
Maybe it is a mound of dirt or some kind of formation like that.
"Or might it suffice him that every wholesome growth should be converted into something deletorious and malignant at his touch?"
"So great a vicissitude in his life could not at once be received as
real."Bantam Classic
pg.192
I believe this is a vision or something to hope for, a goal.
"Prithee, young one, who art thou, and what has ailed thy mother to bedizen thee
in this strange fashion?"
"Under the appelation of Roger Chillingworth, the reader will remember, was
hidden another name, which its former wearer had resolved should never more be
spoken."
"Before this ugly edifice, and between it and the wheel-track of the street, was
a grassy plot..."
"it might be partly owing to the studied austerity of her dress, and partly to
the lack of demonstration in her manners."
".. it truly seemed that this sagacious, experienced, benevolent old physician,
with his concord of paternal and reverntial love for the young pastor, was the
very man of all mankind to be constantly within reach of his voice."
" her only really comfort was when the child lay in the placidity of sleep."
"it now writhed in convulsions of pain, and was a frocible type, in its little
frame.."
"Indeed hath he, answered the magistrate, and hath adduced such arguments that we will even leave the matter as it now stands."Bantam Classic
"As the light drew nearer, he beheld, within its illuminated circle, his brother clergyman, the Reverend Mr. Wilson; who as Mr. Dimmesdale now conjectured, had been praying at the bedside of some dying man. "Bantam Classic
"Her only real comfort was when the child lay in the placidity of sleep."Bantam Classic
"The moment that he did so there came what seemed a tumultuous rush of new life, other life than his own, pouring like a torrent into his heart and hurrying through all his veins..."
"As a physician, with the minister's physical and spiritual infirmities,that
theses bad opportunities had been turned to a cruel puspose."
Bantman Classic
Chp 15 Page 174
Infirmities has to to with being sick. A synonym for illness or sickness. I have heard this word used in other books, and also a infirmiry is a place you go when you are sick.
"In allowing the minister to be thrown into a position where so much evil was to
be foreboded, and nothing auspicious to be hoped."
"with a strange remoteness and intangibility; it was as if she were hovering
in the air and might vanish."
Batman Classic
chp5 page 84
I think intangibility may mean something that really cant be grasped or preceived. At Dictionary.com it is an adjective that could mean incapable of being perceived by the senses.
"Save by a flush of crimson that rose irrepressibly over her pale cheek, and
again subsided into the depths of her bosom."
"What little bird of scarlet plummage may this be"?
"Ah, but, interposed, more softly, a young wife, holding a child by the hand, let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will be always in her heart."
"Calm, gentle, passionless, as he appeared, there was yet, we fear, a quiet
depth of malice, hitherto latent, but active now, in this unfortunate old
man,
which led him to imagine a more intimate revenge than any mortal
had
ever
wreaked upon an enemy."
"Mother and daughter stood together in the same circle of seclusion from human society; and in the nature of the child seemed to be perpetuated those unquiet elements that had distracted Hester Prynne before Pearls birth."
"Heaven hath granted thee an open ignominy"
"to find yourself, at length, in a land where iniquity is searched out"
"But, in that early severity of the Puritan character, an inference of this
kind could not so indubitably be drawn."
Bantam Classic
Ch 2 pg 47
I think this word means unquestionable.
"Baby-linen- for babies then wore robes of state- afforded still another
possibility of toil and emolument."
"As night approached, it proving impossible to quell her insubordination by
rebuke or threats of punishment, Master Brackett, the jailor, thought fit to
introduce a physician."
"Thus she will be a living sermon against sin, until the ignominious letter
be engraved upon her
tombstone."
"It irks me, nevertheless, that the partner of her iniquity should not, at
least, stand on the scaffold by her side."
"Neither anger nor fury shall find lodgment in their minds..."
"...who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities
of war..."
"nothing more bondage than to liberty"page 76
elements of literature
i feel like bondage means together like bonding or maybe even band aid because they bond to your skin.
"fondly expecting thier coarsest utensils in that happy place would be of massy silver."page 131
elements of literature
the only definition i could think of was like coarse meaning something has a rough texture.
"like most other undertakerswho have no assistance from the public, they starved the designby too much frugality."page 131
elements of literature
honestly i have no idea what this means
"it was amazing to see these wild, untaught savages howling like brutes in compassion for us."page 118
elements of literature
i think brute means savage.
"for i was going up and down mourning and lamenting my loss."element of literature
page38
i think lamenting means felling down but im not quite sure.
"Quitting this class of men, I turn with the warm ardor of a friend to
those who have nobly stood, and yet determined to stand the matter out."
"Some carried their old decrepit mothers, some carried one, and some
another."Page 39 Elements in Literature
I have heard decrepit used in everyday talk, as well as in movies and tv. Decrepit means to be old, worn down, often used to describe a old person.
page 38 Elements In Literature
"By my master in this writitng, must be understood Quanopin, who was a
sagamore, and married to King Phillip's wife sister."
"But when a long train of abuses and unsurpations, began at a distinguished
period and pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce
them
under absolute despotism."
page 100 Elements In Literature
At Dictionary.com evinces means demonstrate clearly, or also to vanquish.
"America could carry on a two years' war by the confiscation of the property
of disaffected persons; and be made happy by their expulsion."page 91 Elements of Literature
Disaffected means the opposite of affected. Means you are not affected by something, not bothered by.
"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with
us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
page 89. Elements of Literature
Tyranny can be used to describe a goverment. A unrestrained use or exercise of power.
"The floods of God's vengeance have been withheld."page 47 Elements of Literature
"...all that preserves them of every moment is the mere arbitrary will, and uncovenanted, unobliged forbearance of an incensed God."Page 47 Elements of Literature
"Nor would the shade of the skin have been any reproach at this day, for if a Moor may be washed white in three generations, surely an Indian might have been blanched in two."page 133 Elements of Literature
"But death being surer and nearer if we stayed where we were, I went ahead and beseeched the Indians."page 118 Elements of Literature
"Neither anger nor fury shall find lodgment in their minds and all their words and acions shall be marked by calm deliberarion."Page 110 Elements of Literature
"...a design to reduce them under absolute depotism,.."
Pg. 100 Elements of Literature
the book said that despotismis is ruled by a tyrant or king with unlimited power.
"heaven knows how to put a proper price upn its goods; and it would be stange
indeed, if so celestial and article as freedom.."
"That your Sex are Naturally Tyrannical is a Truth so thoroughly established..."
"If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are
determined to foment a Rebellion.."Pg. 111 Elements of Literature
the book said that foment meant to stir up.
"... and your healthy constitution and your own care and prudence, and best contrivance, and all your righteousness, would have no more influence to uphold you, ..."
"In short, they have no refuge, nothing to take hold of; all that preserves them every moment is the mere arbitrary will, uncovenanted, unobliged forbearance of an incensed God."
"In short, they have no refuge, nothing to take hold of; all that preserves them every moment is the mere arbitrary will, uncovenanted, unobliged forbearance of an incensed God."P.47 Elements of Literature
"One of the Indians that came from Medfield fight, had brought some plunder, came to me, and asked me, if I would have a Bible, he had got one in his basket."
"I, starting up, the light did spy
And to my God my heart did cry
To strengthen me in my distress
And not to leave me succorless."
"This modish frenzy, being still more inflamed by the charming account
given of Virginia by the first adventurers, made many found of removing such a
Paradise."I think that modish means in the current style or popular.
"The Indians, understanding our full plight, sat down and lamented for half
an hour so loudly they could have been heard a long way off."I think that plight means and unfortunate or unfavorable situation.
"Under the shade of this Tree of Great Peace we spread soft white feathery
down of the globe thistle as seats for you, Adodarhoh, and your cousin
Lords."I think thistle is any of the various prickly plants or things that they shed.
"Where they fell to boiling of groundnuts, and parching of corn (as many as
had it) for their provision."I think that provision is supplies or food (especially for a long journey).
"Four of them carried a great Indian upon a bier; but going through a thick wood with him, they were hindered."
"In the morning, when they understood that my child was dead they sent
for me home to my master's wigwam."I think that wigwam is an Indiam dwelling of some sort; maybe like a tepee.
"The old chief of that land lived with his wife whose name was Aataentsic, meaning "Ancient Woman," in there longhouse near the great tree."
"...she wore a huge gingham apron with pockets..."
"...the brown, dry leaves on the ground scudded a few feet."
Chapter 6, page 95, Steinbeck Centennial Edition
Based on the context in which the word is used, I believe that it means the
leaves blew or floated a few feet along the ground.
Page 3George unslung his bindle and dropped it gently on the bank.
"...'then how come he got graybacks?' Gerorge was working up a slow anger."page 18 chapter 2
Penguin Classic
I have no idea what graybacks means, but for some reason I think it has to do with money, although that may be completely wrong.
"sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and ranches that arch over the
pool."page 1 chapter 1
Penguin Classic
Although I am not to sure what mottled means, when I researched the word a book called the Mottled Dawn appeared. Therefore, i think it means something beautiful, used to describe nature, maybe having to do with streaks of sun or color.
"Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water
arose in little splashes."
page 3 chapter 1
Penguin Classic
I remember from middle school my art teacher would always say "dabble your paint brush." It means to splatter and often used in art termonology.
"The little man jerked down the rim of his hat and scowled over at Lennie."
Page 4 chapter 1
Penguin Classic
At FreeDictionary.com they said it is used to express anger or displeasure.
"Lennie droned to himself softley, 'I ain't gonna say nothin'.."
page 6 chapter 1
Penguin Classic
I have heared the word droned used in many other stories read in school. I think it could be a synonym for moan, complain or, groan.
"...and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branchedthat arch
over the pool."
"Crooks sat on his bunk and looked at the door for a moment, and then he
reached for the liniment bottle."Pg 83 Penguin Edition
I think this has to do with some kind of medicine.
"there is a
path through the willows and among the sycamores..."
chapter 1 pg 1 Penguin Edition
i think it has something to do with trees?
"Lennie fairly scuttled out of the room."
"But by the pool among the mottled sycamores, a pleasant shade had fallen."chapter 6, page 97, Penguin Books
"Well, s'pose, jus' s'pose he don't come back. What'll you do then?" Lennie's face wrinkled with apprehension.chapter 4, page 70, Penguin Books
"The resting horses nibbled the remaining wisps of hay, and they stamped their feet and they bit the wood of the mangers and rattled the halter chains."chapter 5, page 82, Penguin Books
"I don't want no trouble, he said plaintively."chapter 2, page 29, Penguin Books
"Through the open door came the thuds and occasional clangs of a horseshoe game, and now and then the sound of voices raised in approval or derision."chapter 3, page 38, Penguin Books
"He'd slough me!"
5. | to be or become shed or cast off, as the slough of a snake. |
6. | to cast off a slough. |
7. | Pathology. to separate from the sound flesh, as a slough. |
8. | Cards. to discard a card or cards. |
9. | to dispose or get rid of; cast (often fol. by off): to slough off a bad habit. |
10. | to shed as or like a slough. |
11. | Cards. to discard (cards). |
"He said ominously, "Well, he better watch out for Lennie..."Chapter 2, page 27, Penguin Books Ltd.
portending evil or harm; foreboding; threatening; inauspicious: an ominous bank of dark clouds. |
2. | having the significance of an omen. |
"He paused in relish of the memory."
1. | liking or enjoyment of the taste of something. |
2. | pleasurable appreciation of anything; liking: He has no relish for obscene jokes. |
3. | Cookery.
|
4. | a pleasing or appetizing flavor. |
5. | a pleasing or enjoyable quality. |
6. | a taste or flavor. |
7. | a smack, trace, or touch of something. |
8. | to take pleasure in; like; enjoy: I don't relish the long drive home. |
9. | to make pleasing to the taste. |
10. | to like the taste of. |
"George's hand remained outstretched imperiously."
2. | urgent; imperative: imperious need. |
"A stilted heron labeled up into the air and pounded down river."
|
“‘When I’m doin’ my hair sometimes I jus’ set an’ stroke it ’cause it’s so
soft. . ." Some people got kinda coarse hair,’ she said complacently”p. 90
Penguin edition
Based on the context, I think complacently means in a self-satisfied manner.
“They all sat still, all bemused by the beauty of the thing , each mind was
popped into the future when this lovely thing should come about”p. 60
Penguin edition
Based on the context, think bemused means unable to think clearly.
“This thing they had never really believed in was coming true. George
said
reverently, 'Jesus Christ! I bet I could swing her'...I bet we could swing her,’
he repeated softly.”p. 60
Penguin edition
Based on the context, I think this word means with respect or admiration.
“When Candy spoke they both jumped as though they had been caught doing
something reprehensible”p.59
Penguin edition
Based on the context, think reprehensible means something unacceptable or deserving punishment.
“. . . he don’t,’ said George, slightly mollified, ‘not if he wants to stay
workin’ long’”
p. 27
Penguin edition
Based on the context, I think mollified means to calm or soothe someone who is upset.
page 59
chapter 6
"...carrying in the lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter's
flooding..."
page 1
Chapter 1
Penguin Classic
I think this means to to join together.
Pg 64
Ch3
"He thought the tone of shock in my voice was really consternation".
I think consternation means fear.
Pg 44
Ch. 2
Rosaleen said "You can curse me, but don't blaspheme the Lord Jesus".
I think Blaspheme means to curse or be profound
"I pictured myself eating three-tiered chocolate cake for breakfast throughout
the enitre month, staying up an hour after bedtime writing high-caliber stories and poems."
"The cicadas were going crazy, filling the air with their strange brand of singing."I think cicadas are large insects that make noises.
"Contemplating is more like it."
"No, but back when the Christians hid from the Romans down in the catacombs, they used to scratch pictures of the bees on the walls."I think catacombs are underground caves.
"When we'd cut through the parsonage yard and were back on the highway..."
"They crawled on their stalk legs around the curved perimeters of the glass as
if the world had shrunk to that jar."
"Hallelujah, Jesus," Reosaleen was saying over there on her stool. Oblivious"
"The whole house smelled of fried okra."
"No, you take the chicken breast. I'm just fine with the neck and gizzard, really."
"I swear if you listen to my chest with a stethoscope,
what you'd hear is that storygoing on and on in my Big Mama's voice."
"Goodbye," I said, and there was a tiny sprig of sadness pushing up from my heart.
"My hair was black like my mother's but basically a nest of cowlicks."
"He had an orneriness year-round, but especially in the summer, when he worked
in his peach orchards daylight to dusk."
"I know it is presumptuous to compare my
small life to hers, but I have reason to believe she wouldn't mind..."