Purple Hibiscus Vocab

Dialect

A particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group.

Oblate

A lay person, either male or female who is affiliated with monastic community but lives in the secular world, following the community’s spiritual practices without taking full vows and living within the monastery itself; basically, theyre associated with a religious order while still living their “normal” life

Étagère

A piece of furniture with a series of shelves for displaying ornamental objects.

Hibiscus

A delicate, flowering plant typically associated with tropical places; “commonly associated with the Hawaiian culture”

Unction

The action of anointing someone with oil or ointment as a religious rite or as a symbol of investiture as a monarch

Solemnity

The state or quality of being serious and dignified.

Coup

A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.

Harmattan

A season from Dec.-Feb. On the West African coast filled w/ dry, dusty winds

Heathen

A person who does not belong to the majority religion; pagan

Flippant

Not showing a serious or respectful attitude; trivializing something serious.

Presumptuous

Failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate; overly bold.

Placid

Not easily upset or excited; calm and peaceful.

Discernment

The ability to judge well; insight or perception.

Culturally conscious

Being aware of and sensitive to cultural differences and diversity.

Rueful

Expressing sorrow or regret, often in a slightly humorous way.

Intertextuality

The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence each other.

In Media Res

a technique that starts the story in the middle of the action instead of at the chronological beginning.

Irony

A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often highlighting a contrast between expectations and reality.

Microcosm

a small-scale representation of a larger system, often used to illustrate broader social or political themes.