3. The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Vocabulary

4. Chapter 1
parable-short story that illustrates a moral attitude or religious principle
pulque-thick fermented beverage made from the agave plant
avarice – extreme greed
indigent – poor; needy; impoverished

5. Chapter 2
estuary – the wide lower part of a river where its current meets the tides
hummock –a low mound or ridge of earth
incandescence - the light emitted from an object
bulwark – a wall or embankment raised as a defensive fortification; something serving as a defense or safeguard
poultice- a warm, soft mass (of something- in this case, seaweed) applied to soothe inflammation

6. Chapter 3
lucent – giving off light
subjugation – being under complete control
dissembling – lying; hiding the true nature of
cozen – to cheat; deceive

7. Chapter 4
legerdemain - sleight of hand ; a show of skill or
deceitful cleverness
collusion -a secret agreement to defraud someone
Define the following words from Chapter 4
countenance
lethargy
stalwart

8. Chapter 5
searing – scorching, burning
edifice – an elaborate structure; a building of imposing size
keening – wailing in lament for the dead

9. Chapter 6
guttural –
escarpment – a steep cliff or ledge
monolithic – adj.
petulant –
germane– being pertinent and relevant