English 1-4 book vocab

redundant

Something unnecessary because it is repetitive or superfluous, unlike Chopin’s economical diction.

blatant

Open and obvious in an offensive or unashamed way, like the oppressive social expectations placed on Mrs. Mallard.

rationale

 Justification or reason for an action or belief, such as Mrs. Mallard's internal reasoning for feeling free after her husband’s death.

postulate

A basic assumption accepted as true.

vindicate

To clear from blame or suspicion - perhaps how all the characters in the story would feel if accused of Mrs. Mallard's death.

proviso

 A condition attached to an agreement, similar to the unspoken rules that governed Mrs. Mallard's role as a wife.

magnanimous

Generous or forgiving, especially toward someone less powerful, unlike the emotional confinement Mrs. Mallard experiences in her marriage.

gamut

The complete range or scope of something, as Mrs. Allard experiences a whole list of emotions in one hour.

impeccable

Perfect and without fault, like Chopin’s concise narrative style in the story.

amenity

 Something that adds comfort or convenience, unlike the emotional starkness of Louise’s home life.

denizen

The girl became a habitual resident of the school once she was accepted into the classroom.

machination

The mother may have wondered about the scheme or hidden strategy of the school administrators as they decided who was admitted.

vitreous

The polished floor of the school gleamed with a glassy, almost transparent shine.

intrinsic

The little girl’s feelings of wonder and fear were part of her innate and essential nature, not something taught.

quixotic

The mother’s belief that education alone would transform her daughter’s life could be seen as idealistic and impractical, though deeply hopeful

callow

The new student, unfamiliar with school routines, appeared inexperienced and immature in comparison to older children.

gambit

Standing firmly and answering questions directly, the mother’s first approach to the registrar was a calculated opening move in order to secure her child’s future.

lugubrious

The mother’s overly mournful expression revealed both pride and sorrow as she left her daughter at school.

ruminate

The girl would later reflect deeply on this day, recalling her mother’s determination and dignity.

diaphanous

The thin and delicate curtains in the school office allowed in light but shielded the room from full view

ennui

A state of weariness or dissatisfaction, often associated with a lack of stimulation or interest.

banal

acking in originality; boring or dull, often because of overuse.

beleaguer

To surround and harass; to lay siege to or beset, as if under attack.

sapient

Wise or sagacious; showing deep understanding, especially in a practical sense.

paucity

scarcity or insufficiency of something; a lack of abundance

turbid

cloudy, opaque, or muddled in appearance or meaning

perspicacity

the ability to perceive or understand things clearly; sharpness of insight

clandestine

secretive, hidden, or kept in a concealed manner, usually to avoid notice or detection

irascible

easily angered or prone to outbursts of temper

extirpate

to completely remove or destroy; to eradicate something thoroughly 

mundane

Ordinary or commonplace, such as everyday actions that gain significance when analyzed.

alleviate

 To lessen or relieve, such as knowing your literary conventions and easing any confusion when reading

Stringent

Very strict or precise, as in rules or expectations for reading symbolism and patterns

lampoon

To criticize harshly using humor or satire, like authors making fun of societal norms

sequester

To isolate or set apart, something an author might do to a character to reveal inner truths.

insidious

Secretly harmful or treacherous, like deeper meanings in literature that seem harmless on the surface

gratuity

a  tip or small payment, or an unearned favor, like the 'small gift' of excellent reader who gains by recognizing allusions.

felicity

Joy or intense happiness, as in a reader’s delight when discovering intertextual connections.

diatribe

A harsh verbal attack, similar to an author’s rant against an institution within a text.

culpable

Deserving blame or responsibility, such as a character being responsible or guilty for their choices.