Temerity
Novel: Quicksand
Passage: Teachers as well as students
were subjected to the paring process, for it tolerated
no innovations,, no individualism. Ideas
it rejected, and looked with open hostility on one and all who had the temerity to offer a suggestion or ever so mildly express a disapproval.
Definition: The quality of being confident and unafraid of danger or punishment especially in a way that seems rude or foolish
Understanding: This passage is when Ester realizes that she is confident enough to leave Naxous and realizes that she is not afraid of punishment.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temerity
