Chapter 4

Question 1

speculation

Answer 1

the forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.
pg 83 - Again he fell into that strange mood of speculation that was so foreign to him.

Question 2

disinclination

Answer 2

a reluctance or lack of enthusiasm.
pg 68 - There had grown up tacitly among the biguns the opinion that Piggy was an outsider, not only by accent, which did not matter, but by fat, and ass-mar, and specs, and a certain disinclination for manual labor.

Question 3

reverence

Answer 3

deep respect for someone or something.
pg 83/84 - Ralph felt a kind of affectionate reverence for the conch, even though he had fished the thing out of the lagoon himself.

Question 4

balm

Answer 4

a fragrant ointment or preparation used to heal or soothe the skin.
pg 68 - Of all the boys, he was the most at home there; but today, irked by the mention of rescue, the useless, footling mention of rescue, even the green depths of water and the shattered, golden sun held no balm.

Question 5

derisive

Answer 5

expressing contempt or ridicule.

pg 92 - The derisive laughter that rose had fear in it and condemnation.

Question 6

parody

Answer 6

an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.
pg 76 - Piggy and the parody were so funny that the hunters began to laugh.

Question 7

gesticulating

Answer 7

use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one’s words.
pg 95 - In a moment the platform was full of arguing, gesticulating shadows.

Question 8

malevolently

Answer 8

having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

pg 76 - He looked malevolently at Jack.

Question 9

irked

Answer 9

irritate; annoy.
pg 68 - Of all the boys, he was the most at home there; but today, irked by the mention of rescue, the useless, footling mention of rescue, even the green depths of water and the shattered, golden sun held no balm.

Question 10

improvisation

Answer 10

the act of improvising; create and perform (music, drama, or verse) spontaneously or without preparation.
pg 81 - He found himself understanding the wearisomeness of this life, where every path was an improvisation and a considerable part of one’s waking life was spent watching one’s feet.