Chapter 1 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 1

meekness (noun)

The quality of being quiet, gentle, and submissive; in this chapter, the grandfather's apparent meekness is revealed to be a deliberate mask.

treachery (noun)

Betrayal of trust; deception or disloyalty, especially by someone in a position of apparent allegiance.

subversive (adjective)

Seeking to undermine or overthrow an established system or authority, often through covert means.

accommodation (noun)

A philosophy of adapting to existing conditions and working within a system rather than directly challenging it; associated with Booker T. Washington's approach to racial progress.

raucous (adjective)

Making or involving a loud, harsh, and unpleasant noise; rowdy and disorderly.

spectacle (noun)

A visually striking performance or display, often one designed to attract attention; in this context, an event staged for the entertainment and power of the audience.

convulse (verb)

To shake or jerk violently, especially as a result of pain or electrical shock.

capitulation (noun)

The act of surrendering or giving in to an opponent's demands; ceasing to resist.

duplicity (noun)

Deceitfulness or double-dealing; the practice of presenting one face to the world while concealing a different intention.

allegory (noun)

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

naturalism (noun)

A literary movement emphasizing detailed, realistic portrayals of life, especially its harsher or more brutal aspects, often suggesting characters are shaped by forces beyond their control.

surrealism (noun)

An artistic movement that seeks to express the subconscious mind through illogical, dreamlike imagery and unexpected juxtapositions.

degradation (noun)

The condition of being treated with contempt or disrespect; the process of being humiliated or reduced in dignity.

naivete (noun)

A lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment; innocent simplicity, often implying a failure to understand the true nature of a situation.

retrospective (adjective)

Looking back on or dealing with past events or situations, especially from a more knowledgeable vantage point.