This section presents terms and phrases that are central to understanding the text and may present a challenge to the reader. Use this list to create a vocabulary quiz or worksheet, to prepare flashcards for a standardized test, or to inspire classroom word games and other group activities.

1. depression (noun):

in economic terms, a time of declining or low levels of activity in business, employment, and stock market values 

“I know you don’t understand what it means, but there’s a depression going on all over this country. People can’t find jobs and these are very, very difficult times for everybody.” (Chapter 1, Page 2)

2. provoked (past tense verb):

induced, brought about

“Not only have you struck him, you have provoked his asthma!” (Chapter 2, Page 11)

3. vermin (noun):

objectionable, disgusting animals

“I do know I shall not allow vermin to attack my poor baby in his own house.” (Chapter 2, Page 15)

4. commenced (past tense verb):

started

“Well, bugs ain’t so different from us as you’d think, soon as he saw those tweezers coming at him he was pretty terrified and commenced to screaming, screaming in English too, not some bug language like you expect from a roach.” (Chapter 3, Page 24)

5. lam (noun):

hasty escape

“Man! I was on the lam.