noun
a pleasantly sharp and appetizing flavor.
the quality of being pleasantly stimulating or exciting.
source: google dictionary
This word was taken from chapter 2 of “Quicksand” by Nella Larsen. It was used in the context referring to Helga Crane’s joy of leaving Naxos as stated “she was now in love with the piquancy of leaving.”
Avidity (noun) – keen eagerness or consuming greed.
Source:Â https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avidity
From âThe Complete Fiction of Nella Larsonâ by Nella Larsen, “Quicksand” Chapter 15 Page 112
“And she was shocked in with which Olsen beside her drank it in.”
Here, the author uses the word avidity to describe how Olsen is eager, while Helga is annoyed and feels shamed by the performance she went to see at Copenhagen vaudeville hall.
Skirmish (noun) –Â a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements.
Source –Â https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skirmish
From âThe Complete Fiction of Nella Larsonâ by Nella Larsen, “Quicksand” Chapter 13 Page 100
“She came away from the coffee feeling that she had acquitted herself well in the first skirmish.”
In this statement, the word skirmish is used to describe how Helga was able to please the crowd that came to see her. She was worried about disappointing her aunt and uncle, so after successfully meeting with the people she felt lightened.
Surreptitiously- adverb
This means slow, deliberate, and secret, in action or character
Merriam Webster’s dictionary
“Quicksand” by Nella Larsen
“Some stopped dead in front of her in order more fully to profit by their stares.”
This word is telling us that many stared at Helga in secret.
Voluptuous- adjective
This means suggesting sensual pleasure by fullness and beauty of form
Merriam Webster’s Dictionary
“Quicksand” by Nella Larsen
“She was incited to make an impression, a voluptuous impression.”
Finding the definition of this word, I understood that Helga had to make a very pleasant impression
Mystified- verb
This means to make mysterious or obscure
Merriam Webster’s Dictionary
“Quicksand” by Nella Larsen
‘Happiness covered her like the lovely quilts under which she rested. She was mystified too.”
I came to the understanding that Helga was still not sure about the situation
Lithe- Adjective
This means easily bent or flexed
Merriam Webster’s Dictionary
“Quicksand” by Nella Larsen
“Another knocking. Aunt Katrina entered, smiling at Helga’s quick lithe spring from the bed.
Researching the definition of this word, I understand the context in which Helga quickly moved from the bed.
Exasperation- noun
This means to cause irritation or annoyance to
Merriam Webster’s dictionary
“Quicksand” by Nella Larsen
“…with surprising vividness to irk her because she could get no meaning from that keen sensation of covetous exasperation that had so surprisingly risen…”
This is saying that Helga was irritated at the moment and was also starting to annoy her
Reticence: noun: the quality or state of being reticent: reserve, restraint
Source:Â https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reticence
From:Â “Quicksand” by Nella Larsen, chapter 16, page 121
“Helga had been silent, thinking what a severe wrench to Herr Dahl’s ideas of decency was this conversation. For he had an almost fanatic regard for reticence, and a peculiar shrinking from what he looked upon as indecent exposure of the emotions.”
The use of reticence shows the reader that Herr Dahl is a very reserved person and that this conversation is out of the ordinary for someone of that demeanor.
In class on Monday, we discussed possible topics for research for Project #2. You will do some research to be able to write an annotation about something that a reader (like you!) would want to know more about to better understand Quicksand.
For homework, comment here by 1-identifying what you might research to add information to the readers’ understanding, and 2- identify the passage or section of the text that would benefit from an annotation.
Some of the ideas we discussed in class:
Some of these broader ideas aren’t directly linked to a particular passage. As you develop your project, you will find particular passages to focus on as the appropriate points to which you can attach your annotation.
This is also a good place to ask (and answer) questions about Project #2, so please do use the comments to get input and feedback, ask for clarification, etc.
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