Question

vocabulary in context
literary text
the following excerpts are from theodore dreisers novels carrie and jennie gerhardt. some of the words you have this unit appear in boldface type. complete each statement the excerpt by circling the letter of the correct answer.

1. for carrie, as we well know, the stage had a great attraction. she had never forgotten her one histrionic achievement in chicago. (sister carrie)

something histrionic involves
a. moneymaking
b. education
c. acting and emotions
d. ambitions and goals

1. though often disillusioned, she was still waiting for that halcyon day when she would be led forth among dreams become real. ames had pointed out a farther step, but on and on beyond that, if accomplished, would lie others for her. (sister carrie)

something that is halcyon is not
a. peaceful
b. turbulent
c. happy
d. calm

1. hanson jumped out of bed with more celerity than he usually displayed and looked at the note. (sister carrie)

celerity is
a. nervousness
b. irritability
c. determination
d. swiftness

1. her support was assured, for her income was paid to her through a trust company she had no desire for speculation or for the devious ways of trade. the ordering of flowers, the nature of children, the care of a home were more in her province. (jennie gerhardt)

if something is devious, it is
a. unhealthy
b. stuffy
c. respectable
d. defiant

1. he had never really been healed of the wound that his father had given him. he had never been comfortable in his mind since robert had deserted him so summarily. (jennie gerhardt)

something done summarily is done
a. abruptly
b. predictably
c. gradually
d. sarcastically
the 1952 film carrie, based on dreisers novel sister carrie, stars laurence olivier and jennifer jones
interactive quiz
snap the code, or go to vocabularyworkshop.com

Explanation:

1. "Histrionic" relates to acting and overly - emotional behavior.
2. "Halcyon" means peaceful, calm, and happy, so "turbulent" is the opposite.
3. "Celerity" means swiftness or speed.
4. "Devious" means not straightforward or honest, so "unhealthy", "stuffy", and "respectable" are incorrect.
5. "Summarily" means in a quick, abrupt manner.

Answer:

1. c. acting and emotions
2. b. turbulent
3. d. swiftness
4. a. unhealthy
5. a. abruptly