Vocabulary & Context Clues in “The Outcasts of Poker Flat”
Directions: As you read pgs. 2-3 of “The Outcasts of Poker Flat,” develop sentences that cite both excerpts and individual words in exploring how context provides help in understanding what words mean.
SAMPLE #1: When the author writes (on pg. 2), “...escort disappeared, their pent-up feelings found vent in a few hysterical tears,” the word ‘hysterical’ helps to describe the tears as being both uncontrollable and angry because the reference to pent-up feelings suggests an emotional outburst.
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pg. 2: "...the camp, halfway up the hill, rudely called ‘The Gulch,’ a place where gold had been found...." The word 'rudely' suggests that the name 'The Gulch' was given in a disrespectful or crude manner.
pg. 2: "...with provokingly cool gestures, began to unfold the articles of clothing." The word 'provokingly' implies that the cool gestures of the men were deliberately irritating or annoying.
pg. 2: "...with the same air of tranquility." The phrase 'same air of tranquility' suggests that the men were calm and composed.
pg. 2: "...their avarice and gambling spirits were subordinate." The word 'subordinate' indicates that their avarice and gambling spirits were less important or lower in priority.
pg. 2: "...he had solemnly ‘cashed in his chips.’" The phrase 'cashed in his chips' suggests that the man had metaphorically ended his game or given up.
pg. 3: "...pronounced him praying." The word 'pronounced' indicates that the other men concluded or declared that he was praying.
pg. 3: "...Tom rolled [a poker chip] toward him." The word 'rolled' suggests that Tom moved the poker chip by rotating or spinning it.
pg. 3: "...a subjugated spirit." The word 'subjugated' implies that Mr. Oakhurst's spirit was controlled or dominated by outside factors.
pg. 3: "...committed some indignity upon Mr. Oakhurst." The word 'indignity' suggests that a disrespectful or degrading act was done to Mr. Oakhurst.
pg. 3: "...a rose flush struggled into his [Tom's] not unhandsome... face." The phrase 'not unhandsome' implies that Tom had a reasonably good-looking face.