These vocabulary words and definitions will aid in your comprehension of chapters 8-14.
Chapter 8
Approbation: (noun) approval, commendation
Choleric: (adjective) easily aroused to anger
Litigation: (noun) a lawsuit
Effigy: (noun) representation of a despised person
Chapter 9
Haughty: (adjective) proud, arrogant
Peremptory: (adjective) putting an end to debate or appeal
Chapter 10
Spectral: (adjective) pertaining to a ghost
Abet: (verb) to encourage and support
Atone: (verb) to make amends
Deluge: (verb) to flood with water
Sodden: (adjective) soaked, saturated
Morass: (noun) tract of low-laying, soft, wet ground
Russet: (adjective) reddish-brown or yellowish-brown in color
Blackguard: (noun) a despicable scoundrel
Equivocal: (adjective) uncertain, doubtful
Tempestuous: (adjective) stormy, violent
Chapter 11
Stealth: (noun) secret action or movement
Incessant: (adjective) continued or repeated without stopping
Abhor: (verb) to regard with horror or disgust
Reticent: (adjective) reluctant to speak
Magnate: (noun) a person of rank, power, or importance
Constable: (noun) an officer of the peace; a policeman
Incredulity: (noun) refusal to believe
Furtive: (adjective) done on the sly, secret
Decanter: (noun) an ornamental bottle for wine
Curt: (adjective) concise, brief, abrupt
Chapter 12
Lintel: (noun) horizontal top piece over a door or window
Vehemence: (noun) strong feeling
Precipitous: (adjective) steep
Paroxysm: (noun) a sudden and violent outburst
Surmise: (noun) to guess or infer based on evidence
Chapter 13
Unmitigated: (adjective) not relieved or lessened
Connoisseur: (noun) a competent, critical judge
Prim: (adjective) precise, proper, neat
Precipice: (noun) high, steep place
Chapter 14
Exultant: (adjective) rejoicing triumphantly
Hackles: (noun) the hair standing on the back of a dog’s neck
Dewlap: (noun) the skin under the throat of an animal
Flank: (noun) the hind part of an animal’s side
Insensible: (adjective) not capable or deprived of feeling; unaware
Mastiff: (noun) hunting dog
Phosphorus: (noun) a soft, metallic element
Doddering: (adjective) trebling, tottering
Dupe: (noun) a victim of deception
Quagmire: (noun) marshy ground that gives way under foot
Miasmatic: (adjective) poisonous fumes from swamps
Here are some basic questions to consider when reading. As you read, keep these thoughts in mind and you will have a more basic understanding of how the story is developing.
- Why does the author choose to tell this story from the viewpoint of Watson, and not Sherlock Holmes? What affect does this have on you, the reader?
- Mr. Stapleton used the two women in his life to attempt to accomplish his goals. Who are the two women and specifically how does Stapleton manipulate each of them? Name three things that led to the unraveling of his plan.
- Watson opens chapter 14 by making note of "one of Holmes' defects". What was the defect and how does it relate to the events in chapters 13 and 14.