Chapter 13 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 13

dispossession (noun)

The act of depriving someone of their home, land, or belongings; in this context, the forced removal of the Provos from their apartment and, more broadly, the systemic stripping of rights and property from Black Americans.

oration (noun)

A formal or eloquent public speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion or to persuade an audience.

marshal (noun)

A law enforcement officer authorized to carry out court orders, including evictions and the seizure of property.

rhetoric (noun)

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect.

emancipation (noun)

The act of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; specifically referring to the freeing of enslaved people.

exhilarated (adjective)

Feeling extremely happy, animated, or elated, often as a result of an intense experience.

subordinate (verb)

To treat as less important; to place in a lower rank or position of lesser authority.

solidarity (noun)

Unity or agreement of feeling or action among a group, especially as the basis for mutual support.

instrumental (adjective)

Serving as a means to an end; treating a person or thing as a tool to achieve a purpose rather than valuing them for their own sake.

catalogs (verb)

Lists or records items systematically and in detail. As a literary device, cataloging involves enumerating a series of items to create a cumulative effect.

palpable (adjective)

So intense as to be almost physically felt; easily perceived or obvious.

philanthropy (noun)

The desire to promote the welfare of others, typically through generous donations of money; charitable activity by wealthy individuals or organizations.

tightrope (noun)

A rope or wire stretched tightly and high above the ground, on which acrobats perform; metaphorically, a difficult or precarious situation requiring careful balance.

foreshadowing (noun)

A literary device in which the author gives hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story.

particularization (noun)

The act of making something specific or individual rather than general or abstract; focusing on concrete details.