Welcome to the vocabulary page! -Vocabulary is powerfully important In Conrad's novel "Heart of Darkness," although it is easy to veiw his words as a wall between yourself and his themes. Through challenging vocabulary,diction and syntax together, Conrad illustrates a theme of things at the surface superficial level having deeper meanings and actually standing for feelings, emotions and motifs. Below is a list of vocab. The words are not in alphabetical order but in order of apperance from within the novel: Offing- a near or forseeable future Diaphanus- charcterized by delicacy of firm or texture Inscrutable- not readily investigated, interpreted or understood Sedantary- completly inactive Propensity- an often intense preference or natural inclanation Spectral- ghostly Strits- a spar that crosses a fore and aft of a sail diaganally Luminous- glowing, a lighted Estuary- Water passage where the tide meets the river current Ascetic- practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal or spiritual discipline Venerable- Sacred, religous or respected August- marked by majestic dignity Knight Errant- a knight traveling in search of adventures in which to exhibit military skill and prowness. Immutability- changeable Concertina- a small musical, instument, like an accordian Somnambulist- a sleepwalker Ominous- Unfavorable or threatening Senteniously- full of meaning, saying much in few words, giving advice Enigma- something hard to understan or mysterious - adj, enigmatic- Insipid- Without any taste or spirit of interest Lugubrious- too sad - overly mournful Drollery- Unwhimsical humor Morose- having a gloomy disposition Alacrity- Punctual, prompt or on-time Rapacious- eccesivly covetous Moribund- state of dying Pestilence- contagious or infectious Demoralization- to corrupt, or the corruption of something Trechant- vigurously effective, morals articulant Stealthy- sneaky or undercover Deplorable- deserving contempt Indefatigable- unable to become tired Scathing- bitterly severe Taunt- tease or make fun of Epoch- a time period or fixed point Serviette- a table napkin Ostentation- to display Beguiled- to lead by deception Supercilious- haughty or proud Prevaricator- lier, deviator of truth Impudence- marked by cocky boldness Vexed- debated or discussed at length Pestiforous- dargerous to society Indignation- to be unjust, unworthy and mean Sagacious- judgement, discerning Edifying- to instruct or improve - spiritually Ciphere- one without weight worth or influence Malevolently- Productive of harm or of evil Languidly- slow, laking quickness Recondile- hidden from sight Inexolerable- not to be persuaded to move Apathy- lack of feeling or emotion Tumult- milling crowd, disoredly agitation Sombre- very serious, grave and depressing Desolation- to be alone in sorrow Impalpable- to be uncapable of feeling through touch. Prodigious- an omen Prudently- excessivly proper in manners or wisdom Motley- composed of diverse colors Harlequin- a humourous character in pantomime Abscounded- to depart secretly and hide oneself Audacity- recklessly bold or daring Vivaciously- livly in spirit-sprightly Despondancy- a state of hopelessness Reproachful- an expression of rebuke or disapproval Repose- peace, resting, eternal, heavenly Fecund- fruitful in offsring or vegetation