Chris+41-45+Glossary

p.41: //talus// A __talus__ is a sloping mass of rocky fragments and debris that forms at the base of a cliff. Port sees the talus formation when he's escaping from Marhnia in the middle of the night.

p.44: //atavism// __Atavism__ is the tendency to return to some ancestral property. It is an evolutionary throwback, such as traits reappearing which had disappeared generations ago. Some examples include hind leg bones in whales, extra toes on a horse. The tail that is found in humans fetuses, although normal in a fetus' development, usually does not continue to grow. In the rare cases that it does, the human is said to have an atavism. In context, Kit isn't exactly referring to these traits, but is simply using them as a means to contrast things that follow reason, and hence her own interior conflict.

p.44: //scientific method// The __scientific method__ is a series of techniques used to investigate and acquire new knowledge through data gathered in experiments. It often includes the formulation and testing of hypotheses. In general, if you remember the lab reports you've done for science classes, you know what we're talking about. In the specific line used in the novel, however, Kit isn't literally referring to the steps in this process, but rather the idea that she typically believes in things that are supported by facts and reason.

p.45: //euphoria// __Euphoria__ is a mental or emotional state defined by a sense of great or exaggerated elation and general well-being.

p.45: //peevishness// __Peevishness__ is derived from the word “peeve,” often heard as a "pet peeve," which is a minor annoyance that one person identifies as particularly annoying to them, and to a greater degree than others may find it.



In the novel, Kit reflects that even on her days of good omens, she takes the signs as insincere and as there only to throw her off. Hence, what should have been her **euphoria**, her happiness, becomes an irritating, stressful event that makes her **peevish**.

Side note: Remember Peeves from Harry Potter? I can see you all going "Ohhhhh" in your seats right now.

p.45: //harbinger// A __harbinger__, to put it simply, is a sign of things to come.

p.45: //abject// The word __abject__ comes from the word “abjection,” which literally means "the state of being cast off." It has a connotation of being unimportant. This is how Kit feels in this chapter, due to Port's behavior.

p.45: //caprice// A __caprice__ is a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action. It can also be a condition, change, or series of changes.

Kit realizes that waiting for Port to change is expecting too much of him; this is why she is so noticeably bothered in this chapter.