Doris Lessing: Stories Glossary

Doris Lessing: Stories Glossary

imperialism

A colonial policy of extending one’s influence throughout the world by force or coercion or domination.

snide

Contemptuous with more than a hint of feelings of superiority

enclosure

The state of being or feeling trapped and without recourse to escape or freedom.

pedagogical

Related to teaching with but with a negative connotation of formality without real-life usefulness.

spinster

An outdated term for an older women who never married; an old maid.

inchoate

A reference to something that is or seems only partly formed and not complete.

veld

A mostly clear area of grassland occasionally punctuated by trees and shrubbery.

existential

A philosophical concept that calls into question the very state of being and inquires what it actually means to exist.

loutish

Lacking manners and behaving boorishly.

contrite

A state of being remorseful and showing regret for past sins.

bankruptcy

A court proceeding to deal with debt which often requires one to liquidate or sell off all their holdings.

luminous

Shining like something that glows in the dark.

nuisance

Something or someone that is a constant source of irritation and both.

meagre

Paltry or lacking in volume or substance.

defiant

The act of being rebelliously in opposition.

incredulous

Expressing an extreme state of disbelief at something.

ideology

A philosophy of belief in a system of ideals and ideas.

isolation

A state or feeling of being separated from others either physically or emotionally.

inveigle

Persuasion through deception or insincere flattery.

parsimonious

Extremely frugal to the point of being cheap or miserly.

inevitable

Something that is bound to happen despite any direct attempts to stop it.

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