Act Prep Vocab 1

Front

In "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the main character is an expert at fanciful thoughts but a novice at practical tasks.

Back

novice

Front

His practical wife doesn't banter with him; she bullies and dominates her quiet husband.

Back

tease in a playful manner

Front

Thurber's adult writing often reiterates the theme of a sensitive daydream clashing with dull everyday life.

Back

repeat or restate

Front

His rich imagination helped him embellish his experiences to create artful, humorous fiction.

Back

decorate or adorn

Front

Mitty imagines being a doctor saving a millionaire's life, but is interrupted by a parking attendant.

Back

wealthy

Front

The humor lies in the forced brevity of Mitty's fantasies, which end abruptly when reality intrudes.

Back

briefness of duration; shortness

Front

Mitty secretly imbibes melodrama, like a sponge soaking up water.

Back

to drink or absorb

Front

Walter Mitty symbolizes a hopeless dreamer.

Back

suggested or implied meaning of word

Front

Thurber stories reflect familiarity with movie cliches. Young Thurber likely spent his weekly stipend on Saturday Matinees.

Back

salary or allowance

Front

Thurber, at age seven, had an accident that left him blind in one eye. Nostalgic for sports he could no longer play, he satisfied his need for adventure by dreaming up stories.

Back

having a longing for things past