Vocabulary in Novel Context
The casual chatter aboard Fred Narracott's boat ride to Soldier Island is described using this adjective, meaning lacking a definite plan, purpose, or enthusiasm.
What is desultory?
This retired judge is accused by the gramophone recording of causing the death of Edward Seton.
Who is Justice Wargrave?
This is the title of the gramophone record that plays after dinner and delivers the deadly indictment against all ten guests.
What is "Swan Song"?
When confronted by "The Voice," this character callously admits to leaving twenty-one East African men to starve for self-preservation.
Who is Philip Lombard?
This adjective describes something kept secret, stealthy, or covert, especially because of moral disapproval.
What is surreptitious?
Vera Claythorne initially describes the framed "Ten Little Soldiers" nursery rhyme hanging in her bedroom as this, meaning attractively old-fashioned or charming.
What is quaint?
This former military officer is accused of sending his wife's lover, Arthur Richmond, to his death on a wartime reconnaissance mission.
Who is General Macarthur?
Philip Lombard answers questions in this guarded manner, an adverb meaning expressed using very few words or dryly.
What is laconically?
This member of the domestic staff faints from extreme shock and distress after the gramophone record finishes reading its accusations.
Who is Mrs. Ethel Rogers?
This adjective means grossly unfair, morally wrong, or wicked.
What is iniquitous?
Anthony Marston is described with this specific type of elegance, an adjective relating to tailoring, clothing, or style of dress.
What is sartorial?
This young woman is accused of being responsible for the drowning death of a child named Cyril Hamilton.
Who is Vera Claythorne?
Before the gramophone recording, guests speak in this indirect or evasive manner when probing one another about their absent host.
What is obliquely?
Justice Wargrave points out that the host's pseudonyms "U.N. Owen" and "U.N. ONA" are a clever phonetic wordplay on this word.
What is "Unknown"?
What is ruminate?
This verb means to think deeply about something or to ponder and turn it over in one's mind.
Following the gramophone accusations in Chapter 3, the guests desperately attempt to do this, meaning to officially absolve themselves from blame or fault.
What is exonerate?
This deeply religious, moralistic woman refuses to offer any defense to the group when accused of causing the death of Beatrice Taylor.
Who is Emily Brent?
This adjective describes the erratic, unpredictable public rumors surrounding the mysterious identity of Soldier Island's buyer.
What is capricious?
Philip Lombard and Anthony Marston discover that the gramophone sound played through hidden holes in the wall adjacent to this room.
What is the parlor?
What is verisimilitude?
This noun refers to the appearance or quality of being true or real.
Mr. and Mrs. Rogers exhibit this type of submissive disposition, showing an excessive willingness to serve others under sudden distress.
What is servile?
This reckless, wealthy young man is accused of running down two children, John and Lucy Combes, with his motorcar.
Who is Anthony Marston?
Anthony Marston exhibits this arrogant attitude toward authority and speed laws, viewing the fatal hit-and-run accident as merely "beastly bad luck".
What is supercilious?
Justice Wargrave and Dr. Armstrong seek factual evidence to do this to the host's suspicious invitation letters, meaning to confirm or support them.
What is corroborate?
This adjective describes someone who persists tirelessly and is incapable of being fatigued.
What is indefatigable?