ISC Class 12 English Word Meanings

ISC Class 12 English Meaning of Difficult Words from All Chapters (Prose and Poetry) of Prism and Rhapsody Book

ISC Class 12 English Word Meanings – Here, the difficult words and their meanings of all the chapters of ISC Class 12 English Prism and Rhapsody Book (A Collection of ISC Poems and Short Stories) have been compiled for the convenience of the students. This is an exhaustive list of the words and meanings of all the Prose and Poetry from the Prism and Rhapsody Book of ISC Class 12 English. The difficult words’ meanings have been explained lucidly so that every student can understand them.

PRISM: A Collection of ISC Short Stories

Atithi/ Guest
The Cookie Lady
There Will Come Soft Rains
Indigo
The Medicine Bag

RHAPSODY: A Collection of ISC Poems

Telephone Conversation
Tithonus
Beethoven
Small Towns and the River
Death be not Proud

PRISM: A Collection of ISC Short Stories

Atithi/ Guest

Zamindar: A landlord, a person who owns a large amount of land.
Moored: fastened
Brahmin: A member of the highest caste in Hindu society, traditionally priests or scholars.
Consented: agreed
Grace: elegance
Stained: discoloured with patches of something
Dhoti: A traditional garment worn by men in India, consisting of a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and legs.
Grossness: coarseness
Honed: perfected
Gleaming: shining; dazzling
Brahminical perfection: A state of purity, knowledge, and high moral standards, traditionally associated with Brahmins.
Tenderly: softly
Hindusthani: Referring to someone from Hindustan, an older term for parts of India.
Took a dip: To go into water briefly, usually for bathing or swimming.
Sleeked: combed back
Sacred thread: A special thread worn by Brahmin males in Hindu tradition, symbolizing their spiritual duties.
Cabin: A room or compartment on a boat, usually for passengers.
Glistening: shining
Bear to: endure
Big eater: Someone who eats a lot.
Tempted: attracted
Assertive: aggressive
Volition: free will
Peculiar: Strange, unusual, or odd.
Doted: showed great love
Appalled: shocked
Thrashed: beat
Strayed: moved away
Jatra-troupe: A group of performers in a traditional folk theater, often traveling.
Drenched: made him wet with tears
Feeble: weak
Plied: offered
Wanderer: a person who keeps travelling from one place to another with a permanent home
Sannyasi: A Hindu religious ascetic; a renunciant or holy man.
Peepul tree: A sacred fig tree found in India.
Gypsies: nomadic people
Fuss: pay a lot of attention to somebody
Wary: cautious
Lured: enticed
Melodies: Sequences of musical notes that are pleasant to listen to; tunes.
Trembling: Shaking involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety, excitement, or weakness.
Rhythms: A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.
Impelled: motivated, urged
Panchali: ballads of gods and goddesses
Recite: a poem, piece of prose, or other passage aloud from memory.
Jyaistha: An Indian calendar month, usually falling in late May to mid-June.
Asarh: An Indian calendar month, usually falling in mid-June to mid-July.
Bards: a poet, traditionally one reciting epics and associated with a particular oral tradition.
Stallholders: People who own or manage temporary shops or booths at a market or fair.
Curiosity: A strong desire to know or learn something.
Gymnasts: Athletes who perform exercises requiring strength, flexibility, balance, and agility.
Thumris: A style of Indian classical music, often light and romantic in nature.
Absconded: ran away
Lavish: grand
Amateur: people who indulge in certain activities as a pastime rather than as a profession
Corrupted: acted in an immoral or illegal way
Detached: Not involved emotionally; separate or distant.
Passed him by: Did not affect him; did not leave a lasting impression on him.
Unbound: detached
Custom: A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something.
Murky: dirty
Soiled: made something dirty
Worldly-wise: Experienced and knowledgeable about the ways of the world, often implying shrewdness.
Laconically: in very few words
Refuge: shelter
Sloping: Going up or down at an angle; not flat or level.
Pastures: Fields of grass where animals can feed.
Jute-fields: Fields where jute plants (used to make rough fabric) are grown.
Rippling: Moving in small waves or folds.
Paddy: Rice plants that are grown in water, or a field where rice is grown.
Ghats: Steps leading down to a river or other body of water.
Encircling: Surrounding something completely.
Foliage: The leaves of plants or trees.
Intimately linked: Very closely connected or related.
Helmsman: The person who steers a boat or ship.
Oarsmen: People who row a boat using oars.
Punted: Moved a boat by pushing a pole against the bottom of the river or lake.
Tiller: A bar or handle used to steer a boat.
Dusk: The time just before night
Indifference: lack of interest
Hospitality: care and attention
Succour: assistance
Ostentatiously: done in an exaggerated way to grab somebody’s attention
Taciturn: Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.
Serene: calm
Detached: not having or showing emotional involvemnent
Stream: A continuous flow of something.
Accomplishments: achievements
Stamped: engraved
Astonishing ease: Surprising and effortless ability.
Unclouded: Clear and untroubled
Restrain: To control or hold back one’s feelings or actions.
Panchali: A type of Bengali folk song or narrative poem, often based on mythological themes.
Verse: A line or stanza of a poem or song.
Peered: Looked closely or with difficulty.
Pathos: feelings of sadness or sympathy
Lured: Attracted or tempted to do something or go somewhere.
Strained: put extra effort
Sighed deeply: Took a long, audible breath, often indicating relief, sadness, or contentment.
Press him to her breast: To hold someone tightly and lovingly against one’s chest.
Envy: A feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck
Sole claimant: The only one who has a right to something.
Wilfulness: prone to disobedience and lack of discipline
Obstinacy: stubbornness
Consistency: The quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way; remaining the same.
Terrified: Extremely frightened.
Tantrum: a sudden, uncontrolled outburst of anger
Amenable: responsive, manageable
Volatile: Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
Animosity: Strong hostility or ill will.
Scowled: looked at someone or something with a very annoyed expression
Tame: not wild or dangerous
Tossed her head: Moved her head quickly upwards and backwards, typically as a sign of annoyance or defiance.
Trance: a temporary mental condition in which someone is not completely conscious or in control of himself.
Swelled: filled
Fierceness: menacingly wild
Fascinated: Strongly attracted and interested.
Fiery: Full of fire or strong emotion; passionate.
Win her round: To persuade someone to agree or be friendly with you.
Apparent: Clearly visible or understood; seeming.
Indifference: Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.
Tributaries: Smaller rivers or streams that flow into a larger river.
Pace: The speed at which something happens or moves.
Aglow: Shining with light or a warm color.
Palanquin: A covered couch for one passenger, carried on poles by several men.
Guard of honour: A group of people, usually soldiers or police, who stand as a sign of respect for an important visitor.
Bamboo lāthis: Sticks or staff made of bamboo.
Blanks: Cartridges containing gunpowder but no bullet, used to make noise without firing a projectile.
Raucously: in a loud and energetic way
Slipped off: Got off quietly and quickly.
Dada: brother
Khura: uncle
Didi: sister
Masi: aunt
Unconventional: unusual
Adapt: To adjust to new conditions.
Precocious: mature
Reigned over: To be dominant or in control in a particular place or area.
Fathom: understand
Juvenile: Relating to young people.
Widowed: A woman whose husband has died.
Rift: A serious break in friendly relations between people or groups.
Asset: A useful or valuable thing, person, or quality.
Astonish: To surprise someone very greatly.
Intrigue: fascinate
Kirtan-tunes: Devotional songs or chants, often with musical accompaniment.
Stabbed: To cause a sudden, sharp, or piercing sensation or feeling.
Guarded closely: Protected carefully, not allowed to be easily approached or shared.
Glimpse: To see something or someone briefly or partially.
Grasp: To connect with or possess.
Glory: High renown or honor won by notable achievements.
Divinely favoured: Blessed or given special preference by God or a higher power.
Burned all over: Felt intense anger, jealousy, or agitation throughout her body.
Arrows of hatred: Words or actions intended to cause harm or express strong dislike.
Anxious: Eager or concerned
Claim sole rights over: To demand exclusive ownership or control over something or someone.
Trivial: Of little importance or value; insignificant.
Marched: Walked in a purposeful, determined, or forceful way.
Callously: In a way that shows an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
Smashing: crushing
Flushed face: blushing
Stamping: putting one’s foot and noisily down heavy and noisily
Sobs: crying with sharp breaths
Wreak: damage
Retention: The ability to remember information.
Hitherto: Until now or until the point in time under discussion.
Inaccessible realm: A place or area that was impossible to reach or enter before.
Devotees: People who are very dedicated to someone or something.
Mournfully: In a sad or sorrowful way.
Formerly: In the past; previously.
Keenness: The quality of being eager or enthusiastic.
Wayward: headstrong
Absurdity: lacking truth or reason
Doting: Extremely and uncritically fond of someone; loving to an excessive degree.
Alien: Strange or unfamiliar; not natural to someone.
Restless: Unable to stay still or calm; constantly moving.
Disrupted: Interrupted or disturbed something from continuing normally.
Overtook: Went past someone or something.
Bore: Tolerated or endured something difficult.
Gloomily: sadly
Thwacked: hit someone hard
Quandary: dilemma
Contain himself: To control one’s feelings, especially to stop oneself from laughing or crying.
Dashed: Ran or moved very quickly.
Expunge: remove completely
Humbled herself: Made herself appear less important or proud; showed humility.
Lurked: Waited or moved secretly, especially to hide.
Timidly: lacking courage or confidence
Flustered: made somebody feel nervous and confused
Scowl: make an angry expression
Shriek: To utter a high-pitched cry or scream
Fumbled: made awkward attempts
Fumbled for false explanations: Tried nervously to give untrue reasons.
Venomously: with anger and hate
Sick at heart: Very sad or discouraged
Hissed back like a snake: Replied sharply and angrily.
Undaunted: Not discouraged
Bolted his door: Locked his door with a bolt
Padlock: A portable lock with a U-shaped shackle.
Passionate: having strong feelings
Overwrought: agitated
Clasped her hands: Held her hands tightly together.
Cross my heart: A promise often made with a gesture of crossing one’s chest, implying sincerity.
Had no effect: Did not make any difference or change anything.
Exerting: having or using a strong effect or influence.
Unconscious influence: an effect on someone’s thoughts or behavior without them being aware of it.
Sought out: searched for and found someone or something.
Kicked up a terrible fuss: made a very strong and noisy protest or complaint.
Astonished: surprised
Delegation: A group of people chosen or elected to represent others.
Rebuked: spoke angrily
Truculent: aggressively defiant
Lame excuse: A weak, unconvincing, or unbelievable reason given for something.
Foibles: weaknesses
In-laws: The relatives of one’s husband or wife.
Cavalry-charge: energetic and disruptive entry
Crossness: anger
Scorn: A feeling or expression of contempt or disdain; treating something as worthless.
Stirring: Creating or arousing a strong feeling or emotion.
Electrical impulse: A sudden, strong feeling or surge of emotion, like a jolt of electricity.
Serenely: In a calm, peaceful, and untroubled manner.
Impediment: A hindrance or obstruction in doing something.
Snared: trapped
Moktar: man of business or overseer, supervisor
Chariot festival: A religious festival where a deity’s idol is pulled on a large, decorated chariot.
Swift flood-tide: A fast-moving, rising water level in a river, often due to heavy rains or tides.
Merry-go-rounds: Rotating amusement rides, often found at fairs.
Cargo-boats: Boats used for carrying goods or merchandise.
Fair: A gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment or trade, often associated with a festival.
Orchestra: A large group of musicians playing various instruments.
Accompaniment: A musical part that supports or partners a main part.
Shouting out the beats: To vocally emphasize or call out the rhythm or timing in music or performance.
Split the sky: A figurative expression meaning to make a very loud noise that seems to fill the sky.
Thudding drums: Drums making a deep, heavy, dull sound.
Huge black sails (of clouds): A metaphorical description of large, dark clouds resembling ship sails, suggesting their vastness and movement.
Gushed and swelled: The river flowed out rapidly and increased in size or volume.
Thickened: Darkness became denser or more intense.
Croaked: The low, rough sound made by a frog.
Rasped like wood saws: Made a harsh, grating sound, similar to a saw cutting wood.
Rumbles of thunder: Deep, continuous, resonant sounds made by thunder.
Slashes of lightning: Quick, bright streaks of light in the sky during a thunderstorm.
Torrential rain: Very heavy and continuous rainfall.
Laden: Heavily loaded or weighed down.
Unconstraining: unrestraining
Unemotional arms: A figurative expression describing something that offers embrace or comfort without emotional ties or demands.

The Cookie Lady

Fixing papers for his route: Arranging or preparing newspapers for delivery along a specific path or area.
Let us in on it: An idiom meaning to tell someone a secret or share information about something.
Overgrown: Covered or filled with too many plants.
Weeds: unwanted plants that grow profusely in a garden.
Rustled: sound made by moving dry leaves.
Chattered: quick repeated noise
Shabby: in a bad condition because of overuse.
Unpainted: Not having a fresh coat of paint; lacking paint.
Sagging: bent down.
Weather-beaten: damaged by the sun and wind (agents of weather).
Porch: a small covered area at the entrance to a house.
Rickety: likely to break, not strong.
Thudding: here, feeling of having a fast- beating, fluttering or pounding heart.
Anticipation: to realise beforehand something likely to happen.
Grated: made a harsh sound.
Rustily: here, working stiffly.
Stirring: Moving or beginning to move
Dried-up: Very thin and wrinkled, often due to old age or lack of moisture.
Cookies: small sweet cakes, either flat or slightly raised, made by baking.
Rustled: made a soft, light sound.
Pitcher: A container, usually with a handle and spout, used for holding and pouring liquids
Window box: A long, narrow container placed on an outside windowsill, often used for plants or for keeping things cool.
Plop: to move suddenly with a sound like that of something dropping into water.
Greedily: In a way that shows excessive desire for food or possessions.
Intent: Fully focused or concentrated on something.
Ample: Enough or more than enough; large in size.
Bulged: stuck out from the body
Glanced: Took a brief or hurried look.
Restlessly: In a way that shows impatience or a lack of calm.
Presently: Soon; after a short time.
Lap: The flat area formed by the upper part of the thighs when sitting down.
Comfort: A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint; also, a feeling of emotional well-being.
Hesitated: Paused before saying or doing something, especially due to uncertainty.
At random: Without a definite plan, purpose, or pattern; by chance.
Bounded: Formed the boundary or limit of; surrounded on certain sides.
Divided: Separated into parts or sections.
Wobbling: moving from side to side
Intently: With eager and focused attention.
Frown: to contract the brows in displeasure or concentration.
Drinking in: Figurative expression meaning to absorb or take in something completely and eagerly, as if it were a liquid.
Droned on: spoke for a long time in a dull and monotonous tone
Dozing: Lightly sleeping; napping.
Dimming away: Gradually becoming less clear or visible; fading.
Fragile: a thing that can be easily broken.
Filling out: Becoming plumper or fuller.
Thickened: Became denser or grew in volume.
Darkened: Became darker in color.
Wispy strands: frizzy short hair on top of head.
Mottled: uneven coloured patches on the skin.
Matron: An older, respectable married woman, typically with a dignified or mature appearance.
Plump: Having a full, rounded shape; chubby.
Fleshy: Having a lot of flesh or soft tissue; full-bodied.
Rousing: Waking someone up or causing them to become active or alert.
Blinked: opened and closed the eyes in quick succession.
Dazed: confused.
Under the spell: Feeling as if one is influenced by a magical power or strong charm.
Warmth: A feeling of comfort, vitality, or life energy, rather than just heat.
Wrinkled: Having small folds or lines on the skin, often due to age.
Murmured: Said something in a low or soft voice.
Blurred: Made indistinct or hazy, hard to see clearly.
Tottered: moved unsteadily due to weakness.
Mantel: The shelf or structure above a fireplace.
Deep-set: appearing to be sunk far back into the head.
Withered: Dried up and shrunken; looking old and shriveled.
Listlessly: without energy and enthusiasm.
Rubbed his forehead: Moved his hand back and forth over his forehead, often as a sign of tiredness or discomfort.
Undershirt: A sleeveless shirt worn under other clothes.
Worn out: Extremely tired; exhausted.
Washed out: Appearing pale, weak, or exhausted.
Hanging around: Spending time idly or aimlessly in a particular place or with certain people.
Labored: Heartbeat done with difficulty; characterized by difficulty.
Muttered: Said something in a low or barely audible voice, especially from displeasure or discontent.
Labored: Done with great effort and difficulty.
Muttered: Spoken in a low, unclear, and often unenthusiastic voice.
Banister: the posts and rail at the side of a staircase.
Murmured: Said something in a low or soft voice.
Strode: Walked with long, decisive steps.
Speculatively: inquisitively
Soda fountain: A counter often in a drugstore where soft drinks, ice cream, and sundaes are prepared and served.
Settled it: Made a decision or confirmed a plan definitively.
Sagging: Sinking or bending downwards in the middle, especially due to weight or weakness.
Rustled: Made a soft, dry, crackling sound, like leaves or paper rubbing together.
Padded: Walked quietly and softly, often with soft steps.
Perplexity: the state of feeling confused and worried.
Rustling: Making soft, dry sounds as one moves, usually referring to clothing.
Batter: A mixture of flour, liquid, and other ingredients, used for baking like for cookies or cakes.
Aged heart thumped: An old person’s heart beat strongly and noticeably, often due to emotion or excitement.
Plump: Having a full, rounded shape; slightly fat in a pleasant way.
Presently: Soon; after a short time.
Crossing to: Walking over to a certain place.
Rigid: Stiff and unmoving; unable to bend.
Twisting furiously: Spinning or turning around very rapidly and intensely, indicating a strong emotional reaction or disorientation.
Harsh: Rough, unpleasant, or severe.
Frightened breath: A sharp intake of air caused by fear or shock.
At random: Without a particular plan or pattern; by chance.
Trembling: Shaking uncontrollably, usually from fear, excitement, or weakness.
Without expression: Showing no feeling or emotion on one’s face.
Trollope: Anthony Trollope, English novelist, belonging to the Victorian era.
Brittle: Hard but easily broken; fragile.
Anguish: Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.
Monotonously: In a dull, unvarying, and repetitive tone or manner.
Buzzed: Made a low, continuous humming sound, like an insect.
Furiously: In an extremely angry or intense way; very forcefully or intensely.
Terror: Extreme fear.
Gazed: Looked steadily and intensely at something or someone.
Thin, dry hand: A hand that looks very slender, perhaps bony, and lacks moisture, often characteristic of old age.
Pulsating: energetic, youthful.
Vibrating: Moving continuously and rapidly back and forth.
Dizzy: sensation of being light-headed.
Unsteady: Not firm or stable; liable to fall or shake.
Blooming: looking attractively healthy and full of energy.
Swelling into richness: Becoming full and vibrant, gaining a healthy, lush quality.
Rounded: Having a full, curved shape, not thin or bony.
Pliant: soft
Bursting joy: An intense feeling of happiness that feels as if it’s overflowing.
Lithe: graceful
Quick circle: A swift, graceful turn or spin.
Throaty: Deep and slightly rough, produced from the back of the throat.
Sensual: Pleasing to the senses, especially in a way that is attractive or appealing.
Gaily: In a cheerful or happy way.
Gaze fastened: To look steadily and intently at something.
Sap of vigorous youth: A metaphorical term referring to the vital fluid or energy that gives life and strength, indicating her renewed youthfulness.
Vigorous: Strong, healthy, and full of energy.
Steady bosom swelling: Her chest rising firmly and smoothly with each breath, indicating renewed vitality and youthfulness.
Flashed: Shone brightly for a moment, often showing emotion.
Spun: Turned around quickly on the spot.
Skirts flying: Her skirt moving outward and upward as she spun, indicating energetic movement.
Dull: Not bright or clear; lacking liveliness or expression.
Dead white: Extremely pale; a lifeless, very pale white color.
Gaily: In a cheerful or lighthearted way; happily.
Skipped back: Moved quickly and lightly, as if hopping.
Unfastened: Opened or untied something that was closed or tied.
Distasteful: Unpleasant or disagreeable.
Gazed: Looked steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought.
Bursting with life: Full of energy, vitality, and enthusiasm.
Trudged: walked with heavy steps
Overhead: Directly above one’s head.
Nudged: touched
Penetrated: Passed into or through something.
Chilling: Making someone feel cold.
Ached: Felt a continuous dull pain.
Laboring: Working hard; functioning with difficulty.
Screeched: an unpleasant loud, high sound
Weary: Feeling or showing tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion or lack of sleep.
Hammering: hitting
Plucking: Pulling or tugging at something.
Lamp-post: A tall pole with a light fixture at the top, typically found on streets.
Flicked on: To turn on an electrical device with a quick, light movement.
Whistled and lashed: Made a high-pitched sound as it blew, and hit or beat against something forcefully.
Licking: the punishment of being hit
Presently: Soon; after a short time.
Faint: Not clear or strong
Howled: the wind blew hard with lot of noise.
Shades: Window blinds or coverings.
Tapping: Making a light, quick knocking sound.
Make it out: To understand or identify something, often with difficulty.
Bundle: A collection of things wrapped or tied together.
Weeds: Wild plants growing where they are not wanted, often characterized by being dry or unruly.
Rags: Old, torn, or worn pieces of cloth.
Bounced: Moved up and down or back and forth after hitting a surface.
Drift past: To be carried slowly by air or water, moving beyond a certain point.

Related:

There Will Come Soft Rains

Hissing: to produce a sound like a long ‘s’ sound like the sound made by the stove
Ejected: pushed something out of a place
Relays: electrical switches that open and close circuits.
Memory tapes: a magnetic tape that stores data and programmes
Glided: moved slowly without any noise
Electric eyes: a device that detects objects or people using a beam of light.
Slammed: shut doors with loud noise and great force
Tread: walk
Tapped: knocked lightly and quickly.
Echoing: making or sending back a sound repeatedly
Chimed: made a musical sound; here, the sound produced when the door of the garage was opened.
Swung down: Moved downward on a hinge or pivot.
Shrivelled: wrinkled and shrunken due to the loss of moisture.
Scraped: removed something from the surface by using a sharp edged instrument
whirled: turned in a twisting or spinning motion
Twinkling dry: Sparkling and completely dry.
Warrens: small crowded spaces; here, little holes in the wall from where tiny robot mice moved in and out quickly
Darted: Moved suddenly and quickly in a particular direction.
Crawl: To move slowly with the body close to the ground
Thudded: hit or banged into something
Moustached runners: A descriptive phrase for the spinning brush-like parts of the robot mice, which resembled a moustache.
Kneading the rug nap: Massaging or pressing the soft, raised fibers of the rug.
Burrows: A hole or tunnel dug by a small animal for shelter like the openings in the wall where the robot mice hid.
Rubble: The remains of a building or buildings, typically after a natural disaster or destruction.
Radioactive glow: the light emitted by radioactive substances after the town was hit by an atomic bomb
Whirled founts: Sprinklers that spun around, creating streams of water that looked like fountains.
Scatterings of brightness: Small, sparkling drops of water catching the light.
Pelted: Struck or hit with a rapid succession of objects, in this case, water drops.
Charred: badly burnt and blackened
Silhouette: outline of a figure, filled with a solid colour
Bent: Leaned forward and downward.
Titanic instant: A huge, powerful, or very quick moment.
Fling: Throw or hurl forcefully.
Charcoaled layer: A thin layer of a black, carbon substance that is left after something is burned.
Falling light: A description of the way the sunlight looks as it hits the falling water from the sprinklers.
Inquired: To ask for information from someone.
Old-maidenly: Resembling or characteristic of an elderly, unmarried woman suggesting an overly cautious, fussy, and solitary nature.
Preoccupation: The state or condition of being engrossed with something; an obsessive focus.
Paranoia: a feeling of fear and suspicion of other people
Quivered: trembled with fear
Snapped up: closed
Startled: surprised and slightly frightened
Fleshy: having a substantial amount of flesh; plump
Sores: an open, painful, or infected wound.
Whirred: made a low, continuous sound
Inconvenience: trouble or difficulty; a slight bother.
Leaf fragment: a very small piece of a leaf.
Copper scrap rats: Tiny robot machines made of copper, shaped like rats, that collect dirt and debris.
Offending: unwanted or a nuisance.
Miniature: very small.
Sighing vent: The opening of the incinerator that makes a soft, low sound, like a sigh, as it burns things.
Incinerator: a device for burning trash, garbage, etc.
Baal: Lord, master or king; here, it is an allusion to the demon, who was the first Principal King of Hell
Hysterically: in an uncontrolled way
Yelping: Barking or crying out in a wild
Sniffed: smelled something
Frothed: produced a mass of small white bubbles
Frothed at the mouth: A white, foamy substance came from its mouth, a sign of extreme distress or illness.
Spun in a frenzy: Turned or twirled around wildly and in a state of great excitement or panic.
Regiments: army unit smaller than a division; here, a troop or a group.
Whirl of sparks: A spinning or swirling movement of small, bright flashes of fire.
Sprouted: Grew or emerged suddenly and quickly, like a plant.
Patio walls: The walls surrounding an outdoor seating area.
Fluttered: Moved with a quick, light, and irregular motion, like a butterfly’s wings.
Pips: The symbols on playing cards like spades, hearts, clubs, and diamondsor the spots on dice.
Manifested: Appeared or showed up suddenly.
Oaken bench: A bench made from oak wood.
Paneled walls: Walls covered with flat, rectangular pieces of wood.
Nursery: A room in a house set aside for the care and entertainment of young children.
Cavorting: leaping about
Crystal substance: A clear, glass-like material.
Sprockets: Wheels with teeth that engage with the holes in a film or tape, causing it to move.
Crisp, cereal meadow: A field or lawn that looks and feels dry and crunchy, like breakfast cereal.
Aluminum roaches and iron crickets: Robot insects made from aluminum and iron.
Spoors: The tracks, scents, or droppings of an animal.
Matted: Tangled into a thick mass.
Bellows: A device with an airbag that takes in and expels air, often used to blow air into a fire or an organ.
Patter: A series of quick, light sounds.
Okapi: an African animal related to a giraffe but with a much shorter neck.
Starched: Made stiff or firm.
Dissolved: Changed or faded away.
Parched: Very dry.
Thorn brakes: Thick patches of thorny bushes.
Manipulated: Handled or controlled with skill.
Hearth: The area in front of a fireplace, often made of stone or brick.
Blazed up: Burned brightly and strongly.
Hidden circuits: Electrical wires or systems concealed within something, like the beds.
Verbatim: Using the exact same words as the original.
Swallows circling with their shimmering sound: Birds flying in circles, making a soft, sparkling sound with their movements.
Tremulous: trembling; fearful or timid.
Feathery fire: A poetic way of describing the bright, fiery red color of a robin’s feathers.
Whistling their whims: Making playful, spontaneous whistling sounds.
Perished utterly: Died out completely and totally.
Scarcely know: Barely or hardly be aware of something.
Mound: A pile or heap.
Cleaning Solvent: Cleaning solvents are chemicals designed to dissolve or remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants from surfaces. As it’s inflammation, it intensified the fire.
Ablaze: On fire; burning fiercely.
Licking, eating: A figurative description of how the fire was spreading and consuming the linoleum.
Pumps: Mechanical devices used to push water.
Chorus: A group of people speaking or singing together.
Sprang: Jumped or moved quickly and suddenly.
Sucked upon: A figurative way of saying that the wind was feeding the fire, making it stronger.
Gave ground: To retreat or lose a position in a fight.
Scurrying: running quickly with short steps.
Squeaked: made high shrill cry or sound
Scratched: To make a harsh, crackling sound.
Pistolled their water: To shoot or spray water forcefully, like from a pistol.
Quenching: Putting out or extinguishing
Reserve water supply: A stored amount of water set aside for later use.
Fed upon: To eat or consume something.
Delicacies: Rare and expensive foods.
Oily flesh: the oil-based paint on the canvases.
Crisping: To make something dry and brittle.
Canvases: Strong cloth used as a surface for oil painting.
Shavings: Thin, curled slices of something.
Reinforcements: Extra support or help in a difficult situation.
Attic: a space or room inside or partly inside the roof of a building.
Attic trapdoors: A small, secret door in the floor or ceiling of an attic.
Gushing: To flow out rapidly and in large amounts.
Venom: A poisonous substance, a chemical foam that kills the fire.
Froth: A mass of small bubbles in a liquid; foam.
Attic brain: A metaphorical term for the control center in the attic that directs the house’s automated systems.
Shattered: Broke into many small pieces.
Bronze shrapnel: Sharp, flying pieces of bronze, usually from an explosion.
Shuddered: Shook violently.
Oak: hardwood tree used in construction or furniture-making.
Oak bone on bone: the wooden structure of the house, like oak beams, rubbing against each other, sounding like bones.
Bared skeleton: The exposed wooden or metal frame of the house.
Cringing: Bending one’s body in fear.
Scalded: Burned with hot liquid or steam; here, intensely heated.
Wailed: Cried out in a long, high-pitched, mournful sound.
Nursery rhyme: A simple traditional song or poem for children.
Sheathings: protective coverings
Fading: Becoming less loud or clear.
Bounded off: Ran or jumped away.
Vanished: Disappeared suddenly and completely.
Steaming river: A river from which vapor is rising, possibly a result of the intense heat from the fire.
Avalanche: A large mass of something falling rapidly. Here, it is used metaphorically for a large falling mass of fire and debris.
Choruses: Groups of voices speaking or singing together like the different automated voices of the house.
Oblivious: unaware
Frantically: nervously or in an uncontrolled manner
Maniac: reckless and dangerous
Sublime: majestic
Fiery: Full of fire; burning intensely.
Spools: animal tracks or droppings
Withered: Shriveled or faded.
Circuits cracked: The electrical pathways and components broke apart.
Puffing out skirts: A metaphorical description of how the smoke and sparks billowed out like a skirt when the house collapsed.
Psychopathic: insane
Hysterically hissing: Making a hissing sound in a wild, uncontrolled way.
Attic: The space or room at the very top of a house, just below the roof.
Parlour: A living room or sitting room in a house.
Cellar: a room below ground level in a house, often used for storing wine or coal.
Sub-cellar: An underground room that is deeper than the main cellar.
Skeletons: A comparison here to the bare frames of objects, like the frame of a chair or bed, as they are broken and piled up.
Cluttered: filled with things in an untidy way
Rubble: The remains of a building, such as stones and bricks, after it has been destroyed.

Indigo

Bachelor: A man who has never been married.
Advertising agency: A business that creates advertisements for other companies.
Reasonable comfort: A comfortable living standard that is not luxurious but adequate.
Acquaintances: People one knows slightly, but not close friends.
Indigo plantations: Large farms where indigo, a plant used to make blue dye, was grown.
Exploited: Used someone unfairly for one’s own benefit.
Peasants: Poor farmers or farm workers.
Rose in revolt: Began to rebel or protest.
Synthetic indigo: Man-made indigo, produced artificially rather than from plants.
Wiped out: Completely removed or destroyed.
Instilled: Gradually but firmly established an idea or feeling in someone’s mind.
Physician: A medical doctor.
Missionary school: A school run by a religious organization, often to spread their faith.
Maternal uncle: His mother’s brother.
Unworthy candidate: Someone not good enough or unsuitable for a position.
Instilled: Firmly established an idea or habit in someone’s mind.
Overpowering desire: A very strong and irresistible wish or craving.
Hectic life: A very busy and full of activity.
Quarters: A place of residence or lodging.
Set off: To begin a journey.
Snag: A difficulty or obstacle.
Paan: A traditional Indian digestive or stimulant made by wrapping ingredients in a betel leaf.
Grave: sad or serious
Giving him short shrift: paid very little attention to him.
Shoved: pushed with a sudden, rough movement
In tow: following closely behind.
Concern: A feeling of worry.
Cautionary: Careful and watchful.
Ignition key: The key used to start the engine of a car.
Dingy: dark and dirty
Dreary: boring
redolent: smelling strongly [of something]
Consequence: A result or effect of an action or condition.
Pulled up: Stopped a vehicle.
Resumed: Started again after a pause.
Via: By way of; through.
Rear: The back part of something.
Whizzing: making a high, buzzing continuous sound rapidly through the air
Predicament: an unpleasant and difficult situation
Nevertheless: In spite of that; however.
Jack from the boot: A tool used to lift a car when changing a tire, usually stored in the trunk (boot).
Dripping with sweat: Sweating heavily, with sweat falling in drops.
Muggy: Warm and humid.
Sway: To move slowly from side to side.
Blue-black patch: A dark blue or almost black area.
Brewing up: Beginning to form or develop
Norwester: a localised thunderstorm and rainfall that occurs during summer in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal (also called kalbaisakhi)
Shafts: beams rays
Speculate: To form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.
Strike terror into the heart: To cause extreme fear.
Claps of thunder: Loud noises caused by lightning.
Nasty side: An unpleasant or bad aspect.
Vicious assault: A cruel or violent attack.
Shafts of lightning: Beams or flashes of lightning.
Find its mark: To hit its intended target.
Precarious: dangerous
Bang: A sudden loud noise.
Thunderclap: loud sound of a thunder
Call it a day: stopped working
Pouring with rain: Raining very heavily.
Speedometer: An instrument in a car that shows its speed.
Rainswept: Covered or driven by rain.
Windscreen: The front window of a car
Frolicsome: acting playfully
Make out: To be able to see or hear something with difficulty.
Quarter of an hour: Fifteen minutes.
Struck me: An idea or thought suddenly came to mind.
Suri: A town mentioned in the story as a landmark.
Strayed: moved away from the intended route
District of Birbhum: A specific administrative region in a state.
Santiniketan: A famous place in West Bengal, India, associated with Rabindranath Tagore.
Recalled: Remembered.
Let up: To become less strong or intense
Swerved: changed direction suddenly
Shrugged: raised his shoulder to express doubt
Convey: To communicate or express an idea, feeling, or information
Predicament: A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
Lend a hand: To help someone.
Faded away: Gradually disappeared or became weaker.
Struck like a hammer blow: Hit hard or affected severely and suddenly.
Dead end: a road that is closed at one end
Puddles: small potholes of rainwater formed on the ground
Chorus of frogs: The combined croaking sounds made by many frogs.
Drizzle: Light rain falling in very fine drops.
Spotted: Saw or noticed.
Kerosene lamp: A type of lamp that burns kerosene oil for light.
Occupants: People living or staying in a place.
Investigate: To carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. so as to establish the truth.
Branching off: Dividing into two or more parts from a main part.
Corrugated: shaped into folds
Hurricane lantern: an oil lamp with a glass chimney to protect the flame from high winds
Stocky: Broad and sturdily built.
Squinted: looked with eyes almost closed
Spot: a small round or roundish mark, differing in colour or texture from the surface around it. Here the light spot of the torch.
Dak bungalow: A type of guesthouse or rest house built during the British colonial period in India for travelers.
Lantern: A lamp with a transparent case protecting the flame or electric light, typically having a handle and often portable.
Charpoy: a bed consisting of a wooden or metal frame strung with ropes
Coarse: rough
Urad-ka-dal: A type of lentil dish, often thick and salty in taste.
heyday: at the peak of its existence
The Raj: Refers to the period of British rule in India.
Chowkidar: A caretaker or watchman.
Caretaker: a person employed to look after large buildings
Jocular: humorous or amusing
God forbid!: An exclamation expressing a strong hope that something will not happen.
Reassuring: Making someone feel less worried or afraid; comforting.
Spooky: Frightening or eerie, often associated with ghosts.
Sahib: A respectful title used by Indians for European gentlemen, especially during the British Raj.
Indigo planter: A person who owned or managed a plantation where indigo (a plant used to make blue dye) was grown.
Cultivated: Grown or farmed plants
Ruins: The remaining parts of a building or structure that has been destroyed or fallen into disrepair.
Telegram: An old method of sending messages over long distances using electrical signals, printed on paper.
Congratulate myself: To feel pleased with one’s own achievement or success.
Lessons learnt the hard way: Knowledge or experience gained through difficult or unpleasant experiences.
Adjoining: Next to or connected to something else.
Seeped: To flow slowly through small openings.
Ajar: open
Extinguish: put out
Drizzle: Light rain falling in very fine drops.
Croaking: The low, rough sound made by a frog.
Shrill: high-pitched and piercing.
Chirping: making short, sharp, high-pitched sounds.
Crickets: insects like grasshoppers but with shorter legs
Ancient: Very old.
Remote: Far away from other people, towns, or cities.
Scratching: rubbing against
Bolted: Fastened a door or window with a metal bar or bolt.
Jackal: A wild animal similar to a dog, often found in parts of Asia and Africa.
Stray: A domestic animal that has wandered away from its owner or home and is lost.
Unmistakable: Not able to be mistaken or misunderstood; clearly recognizable.
Bayed: howled loudly
Hound: a type of dog used for hunting or racing
Faint: Barely perceptible; dim.
Gave a start: A sudden brief movement of the body, often due to surprise, alarm, or shock.
Automatic watch: A mechanical watch that winds itself automatically by the movement of the wearer’s wrist.
Torch: A flashlight.
Knealt: Past tense of kneel; to be in or assume a position in which the body is supported by a knee or knees.
Spinning: Feeling dizzy or disoriented.
Unfasten: To unbolt or unlatch something; to undo a fastening.
Glanced at: Took a quick look at.
Odd feeling: A strange or unusual sensation.
Whitewash: A white liquid mixture used for painting walls, often a simple lime-based paint.
Vest: An undershirt, or a sleeveless upper garment worn under a shirt.
Throbbing: A strong, rhythmic beating sensation, usually associated with pain.
Veranda: A roofed, open-air gallery or porch attached to the outside of a building.
Accent: A distinctive way of speaking that leaves no doubt about its origin.
High chimney: A tall, slender structure through which smoke or gases are released from a building.
Make out the details: To see or distinguish the small parts clearly.
Mosquito net: A net used to protect from mosquitoes, often draped over a bed.
Frills: Decorative ruffles or folds of fabric.
Aged look: Appearing old or worn.
Varnished: Covered with a protective, glossy coating like on wood.
Ornate shade: A highly decorated cover for a lamp that diffuses light.
Steel trunks: Strong, metal storage boxes.
Folding bracket: A support piece that can be folded against a wall when not in use.
Headgear: A hat or other covering for the head.
Hunting crop: A short whip used in hunting.
Galoshes: Waterproof overshoes, typically made of rubber.
Complexion: The natural color, texture, and appearance of a person’s skin.
Features: The distinct parts of a face, such as the nose, lips, and chin.
Sideburns: Hair grown by a man down the sides of his face in front of his ears.
Strode: Walked with long, decisive steps.
Devilish trick: A malicious or mischievous act; here, an unsettling, almost supernatural event.
Sallow: Of a person’s skin or complexion, an unhealthy yellow or pale brown color.
Prematurely: Happening or existing before the normal or expected time.
Depths of my heart: The deepest, innermost part of one’s feelings or being.
Volition: free will
Permanent: Lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely.
Regain: To get something back; to recover.
Bound in leather: Covered or wrapped in leather.
Inkwell: A small container for holding ink, typically for use with a quill or dip pen.
Quill pen: A pen made from a bird’s feather, used for writing with ink.
Unseen force: An invisible power or influence.
Scratching: Making a harsh, grating sound, like a pen on paper.
Fiendish: Extremely unpleasant or wicked; here, suggesting a cruel or tormenting quality.
Mighty empire: A very powerful and large group of countries ruled by a single leader or government.
Blameless life: A life free from fault, guilt, or wrongdoing.
Alien soil: Foreign land; a place that is not one’s native country.
Shed a tear: To cry; to show sadness or grief.
Trusted bearer: A faithful servant or attendant, often one who carries things.
Spare: To refrain from harming, punishing, or killing someone.
Club to death: To beat someone to death with a heavy stick.
Diarist: The person who writes in a diary. In this context, it refers to the English indigo planter whose consciousness is possessing Aniruddha.
Glinted: Shone with a brief, flashing light.
Pistol: A small firearm designed to be held in one hand.
Butt: The handle of a pistol.
Inlaid: Decorated by being set into the surface of something.
Jackals: Wild animals similar to dogs, known for their distinctive cries.
Bayed: Barked or howled loudly, typically by a large dog like a hound.
Advanced towards: Moved forward in the direction of.
Veranda: A roofed, open-air porch or gallery attached to the outside of a house.
Bathed in moonlight: Fully covered or illuminated by the light of the moon.
Greyhound: A tall, slender breed of dog known for its speed.
Hound: A type of dog, often used for hunting, known for its keen sense of smell and distinctive baying bark.
Throbbed: Vibrated with a strong, rhythmic beat.
Blinding flash: A very bright, sudden burst of light that temporarily makes it hard to see.
Gunpowder: An explosive powder used in firearms and fireworks.
Lifeless: Dead; without life.
Blood-spattered: Covered or marked with drops of blood.
Hubbub: A confused mixture of sounds; a commotion or noisy activity.
Muzzle of the pistol: The front end of the barrel of a gun.
Strayed: Moved away from the correct or expected place.
Flooded in: Entered in a large quantity or flow, like water.
Proceeded to: Began to do something.

Related:

The Medicine Bag

Bragged: talked boastfully
Sioux: A group of Native American tribes from the Great Plains of North America.
Impressed: Felt admiration or respect for someone or something.
Exaggerated: Described something as being larger, better, or worse than it really was.
Reservation: small parcels of land on which native Americans were supposed to live.
Glamorous: attractive in an appealing way
Authentic: genuine
Moccasins: soft leather shoes without a separate heel with the heel sewn to the upper in large stitches, originally worn by Native Americans
Rawhide: Untanned skin of an animal, especially cattle, used for making articles.
Chant: A repeated rhythmic phrase, typically sung or spoken in a monotone.
Stately: Dignified, majestic, and grand in appearance.
Braids: a length of hair made up of three or more interlaced thin locks of hair.
Stringly: hair having the appearance of strings
Strand: a single piece of hair, cotton or wool
Tepee: A cone-shaped tent traditionally made from animal skins, used by some Native American tribes.
Tar-paper shack: A small, simple hut or house, often cheaply built, with a roof and/or walls covered in tar paper for protection from the weather.
Shack: a roughly built hut or cabin made from pieces of wood or metal
Poodles: A type of dog with a curly coat, often considered a fancy breed.
Mutts: stray dogs
Commotion: great noise or excitement
Yipping: giving out sharp high-pitched bark
Procession: A line of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly way. In this context, it’s used to describe the group of kids and dogs following the old man.
Growling: making a low guttural sound in the throat that indicates hostility.
Nipping: bite or pinch sharply.
Wearily: In a tired manner.
Hollered: Shouted loudly.
Scattered: Moved quickly in different directions.
Curb: The edge of a sidewalk.
Cracked: A break in the sound of a voice, often due to emotion.
Beat-up: Worn out from long use.
Hau, Takoza: Sioux words meaning “Hello, Grandchild.”
Formally: In a polite or official manner.
Straggled: walked slowly
Rumpled: ruffled or dishevelled
Stooped: Having the shoulders and upper back bent forward; a posture often associated with old age.
Beaded bolo tie: A type of necktie consisting of a piece of cord or braided leather with decorative metal tips, secured with an ornamental clasp or slide, often decorated with beads.
Unseemly: unbecoming or indecorous in appearance, speech, conduct etc.
Banged: To hit a surface or object, making a loud noise.
Bursting: To move suddenly and with great energy.
Wicincala: A Sioux word meaning “little girl.”
Collapsed: To fall down suddenly because of illness or weakness.
Fainted: To lose consciousness for a short time.
Helplessly: Unable to do anything to help oneself or someone else.
Suggested: To put forward an idea or plan for consideration.
Sigh: To let out a long, deep breath, often to show sadness or relief.
Reluctantly: Unwillingly; with hesitation.
Frail: Weak and delicate.
Pouch: A small bag or sack.
Thong: A thin leather strap or cord.
Scuffed: Worn or scraped on the surface.
Moaned: Made a low, mournful sound, usually from pain or discomfort.
Heat exhaustion: A condition caused by overheating of the body, often due to physical activity in hot weather.
Sigh: A long, deep audible breath expressing sadness, relief, or tiredness.
Angrily: In an irritable or upset manner.
Descendants: A person, plant, or animal that is descended from a particular ancestor.
Sheepishly: in an embarrassed manner due to shame or lack of confidence.
Lonesome: Sad because one has no friends or companions.
Stiff: Unable to move or bend easily; rigid.
Roused: To cause to feel a particular emotion; to stir up.
Scold: To express disapproval of someone’s behavior.
Burden: A hardship or a difficult thing to deal with.
Discomfort: A state of being uneasy or in pain.
Bears: Carries or has.
Pouch: A small bag or sack, often made of leather or cloth.
Swallowed hard: An idiom meaning to suppress a feeling of fear, shame, or emotion, often by a noticeable swallowing motion.
Dismissal: The act of ending or waving away something.
Put them off: To postpone or delay a meeting or a visit with someone.
Crew: A group of people who work together or are associated in a particular way.
Patio: a paved outdoor area adjoining a house
Oughta: An informal, contracted version of ought to, meaning should.
Patio: A paved outdoor area, usually next to a house, used for dining or relaxing.
Fringed: Decorated with a border of hanging threads or cords.
Beaded: Decorated with beads.
Moccasins: A type of soft leather shoe, typically without a separate sole, originally worn by Native Americans.
Erect: Upright; standing straight.
Twinkled: Shone with a light that rapidly and repeatedly changes in intensity, often indicating amusement or cheerfulness.
Hoksilas: A Sioux word meaning “boys.”
Hanh: A Sioux word of agreement, like saying “yes.”
Polite: Having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people.
Amaze: To surprise or impress someone greatly.
Respectfully: In a way that shows admiration or deep politeness.
Suppertime: another word for dinner time or the evening meal.
Medicine bag: A medicine bag is not a typical first-aid kit. In many Native American cultures, it’s a small pouch or bag that holds sacred items, often with a deep spiritual meaning for the person who owns it. The items inside are believed to provide protection, strength, or guidance.
Dim: faintly lit or shadowy.
Wakantanka: The supreme being and creator of the Lakota (Natives from Western South Dakota) Sioux.
Confines: The limits or borders of a space; in this context, the small, restricted area of a reservation.
Purifying: To make something clean or pure, often in a spiritual or ceremonial way.
Butte: a hill that has steep sides and a flat top.
Boarding school: A school where students live during the school term. In this context, these were often harsh schools designed to force Native American children to adopt white culture.
Blacksmith shop: A workshop where a blacksmith works. A blacksmith is a person who creates and repairs things made of iron by shaping metal with tools, typically by hammering it when it’s hot.
Treasured: Valued greatly; held as very precious.
Vision quest: A sacred spiritual journey undertaken by individuals in some Native American cultures, typically involving fasting and solitude, to gain guidance or a spiritual vision.
Disbelief: The inability or refusal to accept that something is true.
Sobs: Short, convulsive gasps made in crying.
Grief: Intense sorrow, especially caused by someone’s death.
Sacred: pious, holy
Drifted: moved away
Prairie: a large area covered with grass
Wage: an aromatic plant
Wearily: tiredly

Related:

RHAPSODY: A Collection of ISC Poems

Telephone Conversation

Indifferent: an average, not good, not bad; neutral. The location wasn’t particularly appealing or unappealing.
Off premises: not living in the same building as the property being rented. The landlady lived somewhere else.
Self-confession: the act of revealing something personal or significant about oneself, which in this case, was the narrator’s race.
Wasted journey: A trip or effort that turns out to be pointless or useless because of some unforeseen problem.
Silenced transmission: The sudden cutting off of the sound or flow of the conversation, implying the landlady’s immediate, unspoken reaction.
Pressurised good-breeding: It refers to the landlady’s polite, well-mannered, and refined behavior that was usually well-controlled and evident. “Pressurised” suggests it was being held in check due to the unexpected revelation.
Lipstick coated: her voice sounded as if it came from someone wearing lipstick, implying a refined or artificial tone, rather than a natural one.
Gold-rolled Cigarette-holder pipped: a fancy, elegant cigarette holder, usually used by sophisticated people. “Pipped” suggests it was held tightly or emphasized the sound. It highlights the landlady’s outwardly refined appearance, which contrasts sharply with her prejudiced question.
Caught I was, foully: the speaker felt trapped or unfairly cornered. “Foully” emphasizes the unjust and unpleasant nature of the situation.
Button B. Button A.: the buttons on old public telephones for making calls or getting money back. They represent the speaker’s internal confusion and feeling stuck, unable to simply hang up.
Stench: A very bad smell.
Rancid breath: The smell of something that has gone bad or rotten, like old fat or butter. Here, it’s a metaphor for the offensive and morally decayed nature of the hidden racism.
Public hide-and-speak: This refers to the public phone booth where people could speak anonymously, potentially hiding their true, prejudiced selves. It suggests a place where ugly truths are revealed.
Pillar-box: A public mailbox
Double-tiered Omnibus: A double-decker bus
Squelching tar: The sound of the bus tires making a wet, sticky sound as they move over warm tar on the road.
Ill-mannered silence: The landlady’s prolonged and judgmental silence, which the speaker finds rude and shameful, though the shame is directed at her behavior, not his own.
Surrender / Pushed dumbfounded: The speaker felt forced to give in because he was so utterly confused and shocked (“dumbfounded”) by her question.
Beg simplification: To desperately ask for a clearer, simpler explanation of her question.
Considerate: Showing careful thought for the rights and feelings of others; thoughtful. Here, it’s used ironically, as her “consideration” is actually a thinly veiled attempt to get a specific racist answer.
Varying the emphasis: Changing where the stress or importance is placed in a sentence or question. In this context, she’s trying different ways of asking the same offensive question about skin color.
Revelation: The act of revealing or disclosing something, often surprising or enlightening. Here, it refers to the speaker’s sudden, ironic realization of how to communicate his skin tone to her.
Assent: The expression of approval or agreement. She’s agreeing to his “chocolate” analogy.
Clinical: meaning it lacks warmth, empathy, or personal connection.
Crushing: Overwhelming or devastating. Here, it implies the emotional impact of her cold, impersonal agreement on the speaker.
Impersonality: The quality of not being personal; lacking human feeling or warmth. Her impersonal manner makes the speaker feel like an object being categorized, not a human being.
Rapidly: at a fast pace.
Wave-length adjusted: This is a metaphorical phrase, borrowing from radio or communication technology. It means the speaker quickly adapted his communication style or “tuned in” to her prejudiced way of thinking to respond effectively.
Sepia: A reddish-brown color, often used in old photographs. The speaker uses “West African sepia” as a more refined, precise, and culturally specific way to describe his skin tone, contrasting with her crude “dark/light.”
Spectroscopic: Relating to a spectroscope, an instrument used to analyze light by separating it into a spectrum of colors. Here, it’s used metaphorically to suggest a detailed or scientific analysis of the word “sepia,” implying the landlady is trying to mentally process or categorize this new term.
Flight of fancy: An imaginative but unrealistic idea or notion; a whimsical thought. The speaker ironically calls his sophisticated description a “flight of fancy” because it’s clearly beyond the landlady’s comprehension or interest.
Truthfulness changed her accent: This is a metaphorical way of saying that her true, prejudiced nature or lack of sophistication came through, causing her polite accent to disappear and be replaced by a harsher, blunter tone.
Conceding: Admitting that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it. Here, she’s admitting her ignorance.
Brunette: A person, especially a woman, with dark hair, and often, by extension, a darker complexion. The speaker uses this common term as a last resort to make his skin tone understandable to her.
Facially: Referring to his face
Brunette: A person with dark brown hair, often also implying a dark complexion (though the speaker plays with this meaning).
Peroxide blonde: A very light, almost bleached-looking blonde color, suggesting extreme fairness. Here, it refers to the very light color of his palms and soles.
Friction: The rubbing of one surface against another. Here, used comically to explain a change in skin color.
Raven black: A very deep, shiny black color, like the feathers of a raven. Used here for extreme darkness.
Receiver rearing on the thunderclap about my ears: This is a vivid image. “Receiver” refers to the phone handset. “Rearing” suggests it’s about to fly off or be hung up violently.
Plead: To make an earnest or emotional appeal.

Related:

Tithonus

Woods: forest
Decay: To rot or decompose
Vapours: clouds
Weep: fall down on earth as rain
Burthen: burden
Weep their burthen: A poetic phrase meaning they release their heavy load (moisture), which falls as rain.
Tills: ploughs
Lies beneath: remains buried underground after his death.
Summer: year
Swan: A large, elegant water bird, often a symbol of longevity.
The woods decay… dies the swan (lines 1-4): Woods, clouds, human beings. swans, all have their fixed time and then they pass away. These lines contain the keynote of the poem.
Cruel: painful
Immortality: everlasting life
Consumes: eats up. The worry of deathlessness eats Tithonus up every day.
Wither slowly: fade away bit by bit.
Here at the quiet limit of the world: The reference is to the quiet verge of the eastern horizon, which is the home of Eos.
A white-hair’d shadow roaming like a dream: Tithonus has become very old. He can no longer consider himself a man. The word “shadow” describes him more appropriately. So he compares himself to a dream which is something insignificant.
Thine: An old-fashioned word for “your.”
Shadow: A ghostly, insubstantial figure, not a real person.
Far-folded mists: far away regions covered with mist
Gleaming: shining
Halls of morn: Eastern sky
Gleaming halls of morn: A poetic phrase for the shining and majestic spaces where the morning begins.
Gray: gray colour is used to refer to gloom, sorrow or death.
Shadow: a weak old man.
Alas! for this gray shadow, once a man: A phrase expressing sorrow and pity for his current, withered state, which is a mere shadow of the magnificent man he once was.
Glorious: Wonderful, magnificent, or full of great beauty.
Thy choice: A reference to Aurora’s choice of Tithonus as her beloved.
Madest: An old-fashioned word meaning “made.”
Chosen: Selected or picked out from others.
Great heart: ambitious heart
None other than a God: Someone who seemed exactly like a god; nothing less than a god.
Didst: An old-fashioned word meaning “did.”
Mine asking: my wish
Wealthy men, who care not how they give: People who are rich and give things away freely, but without thinking about the true value or the consequences of their gift.
Thy strong Hours: the ravages of time
Indignant: angry (Time is angry that Tithonus should try to escape from its clutches)
Work’d their wills: had their way with him
But thy strong Hours indignant work’d their wills (line 18): Time proved callous and relentless and it duly carried out its task of bringing his old age. The “Hours” word refers to all-conquering Time. (Allusion) The Hours’ were three sisters, daughters of Zeus and Themis, represented here as attendants of Eos (and the other gods).
Beat me down: defeated me
Marr’d: disfigured
Wasted: spoiled my life
Could not end me: could not kill me
End me: finish off my life
Maim’d: Wounded or injured so that a part of the body is permanently damaged; crippled.
Beside: by side with
And all I was, in ashes: All his former beauty and glory are in ruins.
Make amends: compensate for
Tho’ even now: even at this moment of time.
Close over us: is near to us
The silver star, thy guide: the planet Venus, or the Morning Star, which is the herald of the dawn
Tremulous: tearful
Let me go: let me die
Vary: differ
Kindly race: same race
Goal of ordinance: laws of nature
Pause: die
Most meet: most befitting
Why should man desire…as is most meet of all? (Lines 28-31): It is not proper for an individual human being to wish a course of life different from that of the human race. Death therefore is the necessary end of life. Everlasting life on earth is quite unnatural.
Soft air: soft breeze
Fans the cloud: blows the clouds away
Glimpse: passing look
Dark world: The earth. The time is dawn- on the eastern horizon, it is bright but it is still dark on the earth.
Glimmer: bright rays
Steals/From: radiates from
Brows: Foreheads.
Bosom: The chest area
Renew’d: Renewed; made new again.
Redden: become red
Gloom: darkness
Ere: before
Blind the stars: make the stars obscure. In the daylight starts are not seen as shining.
Wild team: White horses drawing the rose-coloured chariot of Eos.
The yearning for thy yoke: the white horses looking forward to draw the chariot
Loosen’t manes: long loose hair on the neck of a horse
Twilight into flakes of fire: time before dawn, when sun is below the horizon there are rays of golden light
Lo!: Look! or Behold! An old-fashioned way of drawing attention to something.
Ever thus: always in the same way
Thou: You (used when speaking to one person).
Thine: Your or yours (also used when speaking to one person).
Before thine answer given: before you answer my question
Departest – Depart or leave.
And thy tears are on my check: Eos’ tears of pity on seeing the miserable condition of Tithonus.
Wilt: Will (used with “thou” or “you”).
Scare: frighten
Lest: For fear of that; in case.
Lest a saying: just in case the old saying
Recall: take back
Ay me!: poor me
Another heart: it refers to the heart when he was young.
In days far-off: in the olden days
What other eyes: his youthful eyes
If I be he that watch’d: I wish I were with those youthful eyes now.
Lucid outline: clear outline being formed in the East around the goddess of dawn
Dim curls kindle into sunny rings: faint curly outlines of the dawn becoming brighter with the sun’s rays
Mystic change: The magical, mysterious transformation of the goddess as she prepares to bring the dawn.
Crimson’d: Turned a deep red color.
Portals: gates; here: Eastern sky
With the glow…thy portals (Lines 56-57): with your bright glow which made your presence and your portals reddish in colour.
Growing dewy-warm: growing from cold to warm
Balmier: gentler
Of April: during the spring season
Apollo: in Greek mythology he is the God of the sun and also of musicians. (Allusion)
Ilion: the city of Troy
Thine East: The place where Aurora (the Dawn) lives and from which the sun rises.
Thine: An old way of saying “your” or “yours.”
How can my nature longer mix with thine?: Tithonus and Eos do not belong together now. She is perennially young, while he is perennially aged.
Coldly thy rosy…wrinkled feet (Lines 66-67): The use of the words “coldly” and “cold” in lines 66 and 67 offers a contrast to the youthful, passion and love depicted in lines 55-63.
Rosy shadows: rosy reflection
Bathe: surround
Glimmering: shinning
Thresholds: doorstep
Steam Floats up from those dim fields: The mist rising from the fields of the mortal world in the early morning.
Grassy barrows: Ancient burial mounds or graves covered in grass. A “barrow” is a mound of earth or stones raised over a grave.
Of happy…happier dead (Lines 70-71): Tithonus envies people who live on the earth because after having spent their life, they die. Even more fortunate and those who are dead and lie buried in their graves.
Release me, and restore me to the ground: let me be free, let me go back to the earth, so that I may be able to die. renew thy beauty morn by morn: you (Eos) will appear more beautifully morning after morning.
Thou: An old form of the word “you.”
Seest: An old form of the word “see,” meaning “you see.”
Wilt: An old form of the word “will,” meaning “you will.”
Morn: A poetic or old-fashioned word for “morning.”
I earth in earth: I, being made of clay, will remain on earth.
Empty courts: palace courts of Eos in the Eastern sky
And thee returning on thy silver wheels: You will be coming back every morning on your silver chariot drawn by your horses.

Related:

Beethoven

Habit: A routine or behavior that is done regularly and often without thinking.
Hitting: beating
Yell: shout
Geniuses: People who have exceptional intellectual or creative ability.
Mercy: Kindness or forgiveness shown toward someone you have the power to punish.
Tumbling: falling
To tickle the toes: to please (someone)
Angels: Spiritual beings, often shown as human-like figures with wings.
Harp: a kind of musical instrument
Passion: strong feeling
Hard of hearing: Having a hearing impairment; not able to hear very well.
Anthem: a song that uplifts one’s spirit (used here sarcastically)
Ivory: The material from which piano keys were traditionally made. “Put finger to ivory” means to play the piano.
Cramped up: got tired and ached, due to too much
Practice gnarled: twisted
Tree trunks: The main woody stems of trees.
Precious: Something that is very valuable or important.
Pound out: create
Rhythms: repeated, regular patterns of sound
Symphonies: complicated musical pieces
Invade: To enter a place or body in a way that is unwanted or overwhelming.
Armada: A large fleet of warships.
Canon balls: Heavy, round projectiles fired from a cannon.
Detonating: Causing something to explode with great force.
Molecule: The smallest part of a substance that can exist on its own.
Heavenly: Causing great pleasure or happiness; wonderful.
Sensation: A physical feeling that comes from your senses.
Track marks: Lines or marks left by something, often used to describe marks on the body from addiction.
Ache: long for
Addiction: A strong and uncontrollable need for something.
Got down on (one’s) knees: bowed
Amputated: cut off
Vibrations: continuous shaking movement
Echoes: reverberations
Anthem: A song or piece of music that is meaningful to a particular group of people. In this poem, it refers to his father’s repeated words.
Broken record: A record that has been scratched and repeats the same part over and over again. It is a phrase used to describe something that is said or done repeatedly.
Mock: make fun of
Madness: The state of being mentally ill or insane. In this case, it is how people viewed Beethoven’s strange actions because of his deafness.
Mimicking: copying
Bow: a long thin piece of wood with thin string, used for playing a violin and other such musical instrument
Intimacy: familiarity
Silence: The complete absence of sound.
Tower of Babylon: In Genesis (11:1-9) there is reference to the desire of the Babylonians to build a tower so high that it would allow direct communion with God. The work could not be completed as there was a language barrier.
Solar systems: A star and all the planets and other objects that orbit it.
Cymbals: a musical instrument consisting of two metal plates
Crash: hit against each other
Collide: crash into one another
Crescendos: gradual increase in sound
Constellations: A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or a mythological figure.
Illusion: a false idea
Transforming: changing
Tangible: something that can be touched and felt, real
Waltz: a kind of dance
Precision: perfection
History: (here) biography

Related:

Small Towns and the River

Amidst: In the middle of or surrounded by.
Flying: moving about in the air.
Howling: making a long, loud noise.
Gorge: a deep narrow valley between hills formed as a result of a river flowing.
Dreadful: unpleasant.
Wreath: arrangement of flowers in a circular shape used as a decoration or sign of respect to the dead.
Tuberoses: white flowers (agents of death here)
Rituals: actions or ceremonies done in the same way every time.
Permanent: Lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely.
Soul: The spiritual or non-physical part of a living being; a deep, vital essence.
Torrent: sudden and abrupt flow
Grief: Deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death.
Stretching: going beyond (the limits of the town.)
Dry earth: here, drought-like conditions of no water or moisture in summer
Mist: a cloud-like aggregation of minute water particles suspended in air very close to the surface of the mountains.
Immortality: permanence (here, the constant flow of water in the river).
Shrine: a holy or sacred place.
Marks: reveals
Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an uncertain outcome.
House of the sun: (here) the east (where the sun rises).
Cool bamboo: (here) a metaphor for to human body
Restored: put someone/something back into its former condition or position.
Walk with gods: (here) be in the company of gods in the after-life.

Related:

Death be not Proud

Thee (Lines 1, 6 and 7): an archaic form of ‘you.’
Mighty: powerful.
Thou (Lines 2, 3, 4, 9, 12, and 14): an archaic form of you.’
Art (Lines 2, 9): an archaic form of ‘are.’
Think’st: an abbreviated form of ‘thinkest,’ which is a 17th century rendering of think.’
Dost (Lines 3, 10): the archaic second person singular present form of ‘do.’
Overthrow: kill.
Canst: the archaic second person singular present form of ‘can.’
Thy (Lines 5, 12): the archaic form of your.’
Pictures: (here) means images, with possible connotations of paintings or artworks. Essentially, a dead person looks like someone resting or asleep.
Which but thy pictures be: which closely resemble death (Death is often referred to as ‘sleep.’)
Best men: virtuous people; (here) those who are loved by God die young.
Bones: (here) the bones left behind after someone dies.
Soul’s delivery: (their) souls are freed from their bodily prisons. A sleepy, dream- like state.
Poppy: (here) a reference to drugs, particularly those of the opioid family, which are derived from the poppy plant.
Charms: (here) objects with magical properties.
Stroke: touch, (here) refers to the moment when Death comes to someone.
Better than thy stroke: their operation is more gentle and painless (than death’s).
We wake eternally: we live forever in the other world (heaven).

Related:

Also See:

ISC Class 12 English Word Meanings

ISC Class 12 English Meaning of Difficult Words from All Chapters (Prose and Poetry) of Prism and Rhapsody Book

PRISM: A Collection of ISC Short Stories

RHAPSODY: A Collection of ISC Poems

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