Well, Now I Just Feel Bad
Lemony Snicket first introduced us to this word in his book "The Wide Window." What is the definition of "lachrymose"?
tearful or given to weeping; sad.
The use of "prodigal" has come down to us from a famous parable. It's meaning?
Wastefully extravagant
Ebeneezer Scrooge is one of the most famous "misers" in literature.
Someone who works to gain money, but never spends it.
Our hero, Frodo Baggins, is possessed of a talisman, meaning...(and no, the answer is not the one true ring!)
An object thought to have magical powers or importance (like the ring!)
The first rule of speech class: There shall be no pontificating.
Pontificate, to express one's opinions in an annoyingly self-important, pompous way.
To say someone is contrite is to say that...
They are sorry, remorseful, or penitent.
The word "reprobate" might be familiar to those of you who have studied history or religion.
An unprincipled person; in a religious context, a sinner.
Ms. Phillips' classes have been learning about "despot" and "despotism," which mean...
A despot holds ultimate power; a tyrant. Despotism is the form of government in which the leader holds absolute power, especially in a cruel way.
Hermione Granger is unusually sagacious.
Showing keen mental judgement; good sense.
Rule two of speech class: No being esoteric!
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
This country song is particularly "maudlin," don't you think?
Self-pitying; tearful.
Every now and again the news throws out the word "zealot," but what does it mean?
A fanatical person, one who is uncompromising in their political or religious convictions.
William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" contains several paradoxes, which mean...
A paradox is a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. In "Macbeth," the witches' statement "Fair is foul and foul is fair" counts as a paradox.
The fanfiction author is on hiatus (and so is the author. Keep writing, George R. R. Martin!! Type faster!!).
A pause or gap in the sequence.
Our goal, with this rebuttal, is to obfuscate our opponent's argument, so we can win this debate.
Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
To be punished, usually severely.
Castigation
To profane, or to speak sacrilegiously.
Blasphemy
Literature designed to teach us something is known as...
Didactic. Works considered didactic include Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged," Milton's "Paradise Lost," and countless children's books.
Wizards are slightly strange, aren't they? Wait. There's a word for "slightly strange"?!
Eccentric.
There is no truth to this charge! I refuse to accept it! In short, I ________ it!
Repudiate
"They act like they're so cool and important, but they're not!"
Pretentious
An unselfish and disinterested person is called...
Altruistic
Oscar Wilde was famous for his self-indulgence and pursuit of pleasure, making him a convert to the school of...
Hedonism.
Why is it that fantasy authors are never known for writing short works? It's going to take me months to re-read this series!
The word you are looking for is brevity! Fantasy authors, such as J. K. Rowling, George R. R. Martin, and Tolkein are not generally known for their brevity.
Some people in this class talk a great deal--they are particularly ____________.
Loquacious