Verb

refuse to accept or be associated with. Reject.

source: dictionary.com

word is found in chapter 14 “Quicksand”

”In America Negroes sometimes talked loudly of this, but in their hearts they repudiated it.”

here Helga Crane is justifying her new life was now pleasing to her as it satisfied her “self-importance”, but to her the Negroes embrace the idea of being themselves on the surface not within their hearts as she believed they wanted to be more like the “whites” rather than black.

adjective

having little or no money

source: dictionary.com

found in chapter 13 “Quicksand”

”with that sensation of lavish contentment and well-being enjoyed only by impecunious sybarites waking in the houses of the rich”

This was perhaps describing Helga her self as the one who is not quite affluent  but still Indulges in luxuries of the rich.

Verb

use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one’s words.

word is seen chapter 12 of Quicksand

“Helga crane stood looking intently into the gesticulating crowd”

here Helga has arrived in Denmark and was now looking for her aunt out of the frenzy of people  before her.

Noun

stubborn refusal to obey or comply with authority, especially a court order or summons.

source: google dictionary

word is found in chapter 9 of “Quicksand”

”some imp of contumacy”

Here Helga overtly refused to be in the presence of Dr. Anderson.

noun

1. a large imposing building.

2. A complex system of beliefs.

Source: dictionary.com

This word is found in chapter 9 of “Quicksand.”

Word was used when Helga was relaying Anne’s remark about the drains she was thinking there were other parts of the building to consider .

Noun

enthusiasm or passion

source: dictionary.com

This word is found in chapter 9 of  “Quicksand.”

The narrartor used this word in the context to express Anne’s racial enthusiasm and how Helga was initially entertained by it until she grew tired as “these things now irked her with a great irksomeness.”