Chapter 26 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 26

psychoanalyst (noun)

A therapist who treats mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind

ambiguity (noun)

The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or uncertainty of meaning

ellipsis (narrative) (noun)

A literary technique in which events are deliberately omitted from a narrative, leaving gaps for the reader to interpret

paradox (noun)

A seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth upon reflection

nostalgia (noun)

A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations

irresolution (noun)

The state of being uncertain or undecided; lack of firm determination

catharsis (noun)

The process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions

deflect (verb)

To turn aside or cause to change direction; to avoid dealing with something directly

denouement (noun)

The final outcome or resolution of a narrative, following the climax

vulnerability (noun)

The quality of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally

retrospective (adjective)

Looking back on or dealing with past events or situations

inarticulacy (noun)

The inability to express thoughts or feelings clearly or effectively in words

bookend (noun (literary term))

A structural device in which corresponding elements appear at the beginning and end of a work, creating symmetry

cynicism (noun)

An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrust of human sincerity