verb
to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid.
source: www.dictionary.com
This word was found in chapter 8 of “Quicksand”.The word was use to show Helga’s disapproval of the “Y” during her search for a new apartment.
Eschewed
Leave a reply
Category Archives: Glossary
Berth
noun
: a place in the water where a ship stops and stays when anchored or at a wharf. 2 : a bed on a ship or train. 3 : an amount of distance kept for the sake of safety. We gave the haunted house a wide berth.
source: https://www.merriam-webster.com
This word is found in chapter 2 of “Quicksand” It was used in reference to Helga hoping to get boarding on a train in midst of her hasty departure from Naxos.
Piquancy
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.”
Skirmish
Skirmish (noun) – a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements.
Source – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skirmish
From “The Complete Fiction of Nella Larson” 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.
Avidity
Avidity (noun) – keen eagerness or consuming greed.
Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avidity
From “The Complete Fiction of Nella Larson” 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.
Surreptitiously
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
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
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
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
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
