Kat+T+16-23

1 ** : ** conforming to established doctrine especially in religion; 2** : ** conventional
 * ** page ** || ** word-term-phrase ** || ** definition/explanation ** ||
 * 16 || orthodox || // adjective //

//The novel describes the preparations for the inevitable high final note (of the coloratura soprano in the café who sings in hysterical screams) as orthodox. The coloratura style of singing is a classical Italian vocal music style; therefore there are many special rules and conventions to be taken into consideration when singing (particularly the high notes).// ||
 * 16 || Battle of Oulmes [Ms. Carlson, I think this is //BOTTLE of Oulm//é//s//] Whoops! I'm sure you're right!!:) || Oulmes is a place in morocco. The drink referred to in the book is not an actual drink in real life.

// Kit says she needs another bottle of Oulmes after she hears the build up to the high notes sang by the soprano in the café. The drink is a fizzy mineral water. The placement of a place in Morocco in the name of the drink adds more mysterious culture into the novel and makes the setting more realistic. // || || a famous French anise-flavored liqueur (a sweet licorice-flavored wine)
 * 16 || Pernod

// Pernod is served to Tunner, Kit and Port on the terrace of a café. Kit thinks the Pernod is fake but the waiter insists that it is real Pernod (“Ce n’est pas du vrai Pernod?” “si, si, c’est du Pernod”). // || // The traffic in morocco is said to be “desultory”. Interestingly, this adjective also reflects the mood of the main characters- disappointed (with each other) and marked by lack of definite plan. // || || // noun // : a light fabric of linen, cotton, or rayon usually striped and slightly puckered; Popular for summer during the second half of the 20th century. Muslim traders traded the fabric throughout a wide area. During the British colonial period seersucker was popular as a material in Britain's warm weather colonies.
 * 17 || Madame La Hiff's //Gypsy Dream Dictionary// || When Port is telling his dream, Tunner teases Kit by saying that by asking for her interpretations of dreams, Port is “consulting Madame La Hiff’s //Gypsy Dream Dictionary//”. Tunner is mocking Kit’s superstition. The // Gypsy Dream Dictionary // by Raymond Bucklan is a real work (for sale on Amazon.com if you are really that interested) that Tunner is probably alluding to to make fun of Kit. ||
 * 19 || desultory || // Adjective // ,
 * 1 ** ** : ** marked by lack of definite plan, regularity, or purpose 
 * 2 ** ** : ** not connected with the main subject
 * 3 ** ** : ** disappointing in progress, performance, or quality 
 * 19 || // Fiancée for Rent // || // Fiancée for Rent // is the movie Port wants to watch. It is a film in Arabic playing in the cinema. // Fiancée for Rent // is not a real movie. ||
 * 20 || Seersucker

// In the novel, Port puts on a pair of seersucker trousers (apparently it matches with a sports shirt and combed hair) before taking a walk. This detail is probably not extremely significant but can be used to identify Port as a seasoned traveler (seersucker being a fabric traded by Muslims) and also adds more cultural flavor to the novel. // ||
 * 21 || pique || // noun // **:** a transient feeling of wounded vanity **:** resentment ; synonym: offense

// In Port’s point of view, there was “pique“in Kit’s voice when she says “after all, it’s much more your business than it is mine. (referring to Tunner)”. This indicates a differentiated tone which implies that Kit was unhappy with Port’s reaction and views the discussion as important. // ||
 * 23 || // La vida es pena. // ("Life is pain.") || This phrase is Spanish for “life is pain”.

// The phrase is said by an old Spanish maid at the hotel Port and Kit are staying in. Port replies with “Of course” because he was feeling sorry for the maid. His reply and the words of the maid intrigue Port to think deeper about suffering, life and social class. // ||