The ambitious spirits of his brother chieftain Sassacus, had ever aspired to dominion over the allied tribes – and immediately after the appearance of the English, the same temper was manifest in a jealousy of their encroachments. He employed all his art and influence and authority, to unite the tribes for the extirpation of the dangerous invaders. Mononotto, on the contrary, averse to all hostility, and foreseeing no danger from them, was the advocate of a hospitable reception, and pacific conduct. What is the definition of “extirpation” ?
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Answer: C. Extermination
Explanation
Extirpation means the complete eradication, destruction, or extermination of something. Contextual clues in the text show the chief wanted to eliminate the dangerous invaders entirely. Lexical definitions confirm that extirpation is synonymous with total extermination. Vocabulary acquisition improves reading comprehension of complex historical texts and literature. Authors use advanced diction to convey precise historical conflicts between indigenous groups and settlers. Etymologically, the word stems from roots relating to tearing something up entirely by its roots.
Understanding historical vocabulary helps students analyze colonial literature and primary source documents. Recognizing precise word meanings prevents misinterpretations of character motives in narratives. Literary analysis relies on accurate definitions to unpack the gravity of historical conflicts. Execution refers to carrying out a legal sentence rather than the total eradication of a group. Going to extremes describes behavioral excess rather than the complete destruction implied here. Expatriating involves banishing someone from their native country rather than total extermination.
- Subject
- English
- Category
- English Literature
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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