This is a list of words I needed to look up when reading The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne uses a lot of hard and advanced words that I think could make it hard to understand parts of the novel if you don't look them up.
Similitude- a person or thing that is like, the match of, or the counterpart of another.
How it is used in the book: Basically, Hester is reminded of her shame and sin when ever she sees Pearl. Although Hester adores Pearl, there is also a feeling of guilt that Hester associates with Pearl.
Elfish- small and mischievous.
Pearl is constantly being described as elfish. I think it's kind of funny how the word that could be used as an insult is today also used when talking about jolly Christmas elves.
expostulation- kind and earnest protest
Ex: Ignoring my expostulations, you paid for my ice cream.
cabalistic- mystic;occult
countenance- appearance, especially the look or expression of the face
somnambulism- sleepwalking
I like this word and will probably try to use it the next time my sister sleepwalks.
sedulous- diligent in application or attention; persevering; assiduous
*All definitions are from www.dictionary.com*
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