Literature in Context
An Open Anthology of Literature in English, 1400-1925

The Turn of the Screw
By Henry James

Creation of machine-readable version and conversion to TEI.2-conformant markup: by The Naked Word, University of Virginia Library Electronic Text Center.
    Page Images    

Sources

New York : Macmillan, 1898Source copy consulted:PS2116 .T9 1898 Special Collections, Alderman Library, University of Virginia

Editorial Statements

Research informing these annotations draws on publicly-accessible resources, with links provided where possible. Annotations have also included common knowledge, defined as information that can be found in multiple reliable sources. If you notice an error in these annotations, please contact lic.open.anthology@gmail.com.

Original spelling and capitalization is retained, though the long s has been silently modernized and ligatured forms are not encoded.

Hyphenation has not been retained, except where necessary for the sense of the word.

Page breaks have been retained. Catchwords, signatures, and running headers have not.

Materials have been transcribed from and checked against first editions, where possible. See the Sources section for more information.

Citation

James, Henry. "The Turn of the Screw". The Two Magics: The Turn of the Screw, Covering End, Macmillan, 1898 , pp 3-212 . Literature in Context: An Open Anthology. http://anthologydev.lib.virginia.edu/work/James/james-turn. Accessed: 2025-04-19T16:41:11.074Z

Linked Data

Explore the collection using linked open data.

Title Page THE TWO MAGICS

THE TURN OF THE SCREW
COVERING END BY
HENRY JAMES
AUTHOR OF "DAISY MILLER," "THE EUROPEANS"
ETC., ETC.



New York
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
London: Macmillan & CO., Ltd.
1898

All rights reserved
Page Title PagePage Title Page

Footnotes

turn_ Turn of the screw means something that makes a bad situation worse. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/turn-of-the-screw
interlocutor_ Someone who takes part in a dialogue, conversation, or discussion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
delicious_ Very amusing or entertaining. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
unanimous_ General agreement or consent. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
propound_ To put forward, set forth; to put forward as a question for solution. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
scruples_ A feeling that prevents you from doing something morally wrong. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/scruple
fire_ To hesitate or be slow in acting. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
acute_ Sharpness or keenness; perceptiveness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
vulgar_ Not special, singular, or exceptional. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
raison_ French for "all the more reason". Source: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/french-english/raison-de-plus
reticence_ Reluctance to perform a particular action; disinclination, hesitation. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
serial_ A story published in installments like in a magazine or newspaper. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
candlestuck_ Possibly to prepare candles by softening the wax at the end of it and putting it in a holder. Source: https://www.towernotes.co.uk/literature-notes-55_James_Turn-of-the-Screw_13.php
trepidation_ confusion; confused hurry or alarm. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
vicarage_ The house of a vicar, or a member of the Church who has charge of a mission or chapel. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vicar
gay_ Here meaning light-hearted, carefree. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inevitably_ Unavoidably. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
gallant_ Chivalrously brave, full of noble daring. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incur_ To bring upon oneself. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
chicks_ Here meaning children. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
fond_ Having an affection or liking for. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
groom_ A person who takes care of horses for a living. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
untried_Not tried, proved, or tested. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
music_ Confront reality; Not shrink from some unwelcomed truth. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
gilt_ Covered with a thin coating of gold. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
album_ A book used for the collection and preservation of miscellaneous items. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
commodious_ Comfortable; free from hardship. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
fortitude_ Moral strength or courage. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
reprieve_ A respite or temporary escape from an unpleasant or undesirable situation. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
rooks_ A species of bird in the United Kingdom. They have black feathers, a white beak, and a peaked head. Source: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/rook/
proprietor_ An owner of land or a business. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
brooded_ To meditate (esp. in a moody or morbid way). Source: Oxford English Dictionary
beatific_ Making blessed; giving supreme happiness or blessedness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
timidity_ Lack of courage, confidence, or assertiveness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
frank_ Candid, outspoken, unreserved. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
serenity_ Tranquillity, peacefulness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
imputed_ To blame someone often falsely or unjustly. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imputed
prodigious_ Marvellous, astonishing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
forthwith_ Immediately, at once, without delay or interval. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
concurred_ To agree with. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
droll_ Unintentionally amusing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
machicolated_ Having holes in the floor of an overhanging gallery to drop rocks and boiling liquids on attackers. https://tudorhistory.org/glossaries/m/machicolation.html
contracted_ Narrowed, shortened, shrunken. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
adoze_ In a light sleep. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
adream_ In a dream. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
postbag_ A large sack or bag for carrying letters. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
attenuated_ To weaken or reduce in force, effect, or amount. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
forbore_ To refrain from mentioning; to withhold, keep back. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
scarce_ Barely, only just; not quite. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
atonement_amends, satisfaction. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
stupefaction_ Great or overwhelming surprise. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
interdict_An authoritative prohibition; an act of forbidding peremptorily. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incisive_ Sharp or keen in mental qualities; acute. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
ardently_ with great eagerness or keen desire; passionately, earnestly, zealously. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
fortified_ Strengthened; provided with means of defence. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
indignant_ Feeling angry because of something unjust. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indignant
conceit_ A notion, conception, idea, or thought. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
resumption_ The action of taking up or starting something again after interruption. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
morrow_ The following day. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
grandees_ A person of high rank or position. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
afteryears_ A later or future year. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
teatime_ This is a small meal in Britain between lunch and dinner. It is typically taken around the late afternoon or early evening. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/teatime
conducted_ To lead, escort, guide. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incongruous_ Inconsistent. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
flanked_ To defend the sides of something. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
disengaged_ To loosen from something that holds fast; to detach, liberate, free. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pretentious_ Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance than it actually possessed. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
gingerbread_ Outwardly or superficially attractive or appealing, but lacking real substance or worth. Extremely or excessively elaborate or ornate decoration. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
precipitately_ Rashly, hastily; at great speed. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
bred_ Brought up, (properly) trained. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
bridled_ To put a restrain on; to regulate; to restrict, bring under control. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
visitant_ A visitor. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
markedly_ Distinctly, definitely, notably. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
fixed_ To make someone motionless with astonishment. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
udolpho_ This is in reference to the Gothic story The Mysteries of Udolpho. It is about Emily, a young woman, who moves in with her aunt after her father dies. Her uncle is a crule man who traps her and her aunt in a castle and forces Emily to marry his friend. She escapes and marries the man she loves. https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/the-mysteries-of-udolpho
interval_ An open space between two thing; a gap. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pretext_ A reason that hides someone's true purpose; an excuse. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
unscrupulous_ Someone who acts in a dishonest way in order to get what they want. Source: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/unscrupulous
indiscretion_ Wanting to be discreet. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pang_ A sudden sharp feeling of mental anguish or intense emotional pain. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sordid_ Low, coarse, rough; mean. Source: Oxford Englsh Dictionary
infallibly_ Most certainly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
vindictive_ Involving retribution or punishment; avenging. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
muff_ A foolish, stupid, feeble, or incompetent person. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
anecdote_ A short account of an interesting experience. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
scant_ Barely; hardly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
chastised_ To punish; to inflict punishment. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
intercourse_ Social communication between people. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
certitude_ Being certain of anything. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
blanched_ To make something white; to bleach. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
scruple_ Without doubt or question. Source: Oxford Englsh Dictionary
queer_ Here meaning strange or odd. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
extraordinary_ Here meaning unusual. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inconsequence_ Lacking reason or a logical sequence. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
valet_ Here meaning a gentleman's personal attendant. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
consternation_ Amazement and terror; dismay. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
prostrate_ In a state of physical exhaustion or complete weakness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
plight_ An unfortunate condition or state. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
impugning_ To call in question; to dispute the truth, validity, or correctness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
portentous_ Ominous, threatening. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
exaltation_ A strong feeling of happiness. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/exaltation
surmounting_ To prevail over, get the better of, overcome. Source: Oxford Englsh Dictionary
expiatory_ Making amends for. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
especial_ In particular; especially. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
fence_ To keep off with a fence. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
musingly_ Thoughtfully, dreamily. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
allusion_ An implied, indirect, or passing reference to a person or thing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
perturbation_ Mental or spiritual agitation or disturbance. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
scullions_ A domestic servant of the lowest rank in a household who worked in the kitchen. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
quake_ To shake involuntarily; to tremble, shiver, shudder. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
interlocutress_ A woman who takes part in a dialogue, conversation, or discussion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
house_ A pub or tavern. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inquest_ Inquiry or investigation (into something). Source: Oxford English Dictionary
importunate_ Something that is a nuisance or inconvenience; persistently troublesome; annoying, irritating, irksome. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
listless_ A lack of interest, spirit, or energy. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listless
sinecure_ A position that does not have work attached to it but is paid. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
juncture_ The place where two things are joined. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
alien_ Here meaning strange, unfamiliar, different. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
dire_ Terrible, dreadful; awful, ‘frightful’. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
morsel_ A small piece or amount (of anything). Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incredulity_ Unwillingness to believe something. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
articulate_ To utter or pronounce words. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
infamous_ Famous for badness of any kind. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
abasement_ Lowering in rank; humiliation, degradation. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
impudent_ Shameless, immodest. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
evocation_ The calling up a spirit. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
afresh_ Once more from the beginning; anew. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
abjure_ To withdraw, retract, recant a previously held opinion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
re-enumerate_ To count again. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
quaver_ To vibrate, tremble, quiver. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
perceptible_ Able to be perceived; esp. able to be seen or noticed. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
gabbling_ To talk rapidly esp. in an unintelligible way. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
romp_ To play roughly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
asseverate_ To declare positively, assert emphatically, affirm seriously. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
imperturbable_ Not capable of being mentally agitated; unexcitable; calm, composed. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
austere_ Stern; strict, harsh. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
levity_ Lack of seriousness. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/levity
admonished_ To urge someone to do something; to warn or tell a person that they should do something. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incongruity_ Unreasonable; unsuitableness, inappropriateness, absurdity. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
overture_ Here meaning an approach or proposal with the aim of opening negotiations or establishing a relationship. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
menial_ Here meaning a servant who does domestic or household work. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
prevaricated_ To not be straightforward; to speak or act in an evasive way. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
flounder_ To stumble. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
vehemence_ Great or excessive passion; eagerness of personal feeling, action, expression. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
lugubriously_ Mournfully, sorrowfully. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
homely_ Familiar; well-known. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
remonstrance_ An expression of disapproval or disagreement. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
mused_ To be absorbed in thought. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
beguilement_ Deluder, deceiver, cheater. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
preternaturally_ Abnormally, extraordinarily. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
homage_ Acknowledgement of superiority in respect of rank, worth, beauty, or some other quality. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
protectress_ A female protector or guardian. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
charades_ A game where players try to communicate a particular word by using silent actions. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/charade
exuberance_ Energetic, excited, cheerful. Source: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/exuberance#google_vignette
singularly_ Apart from; separately, individually. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
allude_ To suggest, hint; to refer indirectly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incitement_ To move to action; to stir up. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incite
mystification_ A puzzle, an enigma. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
theatricals_ The performance of stage plays formerly in a private house. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
confabulations_ Talking together; chats. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
idolaters_ A person who shows an intense or excessive fascination with or devotion to a person or thing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
quarreled_ verbal conflict between two people. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quarrel
coarseness_ Rudeness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
naive_ Lack of experience, judgement, or wisdom. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
hideous_ Terrible, horrible. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sojourn_ To stay in a place temporarily. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sequestered_ Sheltered, secluded. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
shrouded_ Concealed, veiled; sheltered. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
astir_ Out of bed; up and moving about. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
casement_ A window. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
flourish_ A sudden burst; an act or instance of waving. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flourish
detestable_ Intensely hateful. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
rigor_ Being unyielding or inflexible; harsh inflexibility in opinion or judgment. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigor
reckon To take into account; to be prepared for. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
wretch_ A vile, sorry, or despicable person. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
counterpane_ The outer covering of a bed; a quilt. Source: Oxford English Dictionary Example: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/13623
candor_ Speaking freely; frankness, outspokenness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
arraigned_ Accused of some fault or imperfection, called in question. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
solicitation_ Seeking to get something by an earnest request. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
succumbed_ To sink under pressure. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
luminously_ Brightly, shining. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pertinence_ Relevance. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
woe_ A state of misery, suffering, or emotional distress. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
laxity_ Looseness or slackness; lack of strictness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
taper_ A long wax candle. The term originally used used for devotional purposes. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
reillumination_ Relighting. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
wrap_ A shawl, scarf, or the like. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
bewilderment_ Confusion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
halter_ A rope with a noose, it can be used to lead cattle or horses. Sources: Oxford English Dictionary
portentously_ In a way that foreshadows something; ominously. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
prowling_ To move around looking for something; to wander in search for prey or with predatory intent. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
faltering_ To stumble, stagger. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
penetrable_ Here meaning bringing light into or able to see through the darkness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
flurry_ Sudden commotion or excitement. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
want_ To be without, to lack. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
amiability_ Being lovable; being friendly or pleasant. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
blighted_ In a badly damaged or deteriorated condition. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blighted
battered_ Bruised and shattered by repeated blows; worn by rough or hard use. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
habit_ Disposition, character; a settled practice, custom. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
conviction_ An opinion or belief that is thought of as well proved. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
solicitude_ Anxiety; care, concern. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
instructress_ A female teacher. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
placidity_ Mildness; calmness, peacefulness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
lurid_ Connotation of ‘terrible’, ‘ominous’, ‘ghastly’, ‘sensational’. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inscrutable_ Something that cannot be searched into or found out by searching; entirely mysterious. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
cleft_ A position where advance and retreat are impossible; a dilemma. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
stupendous_ Tremendous, enormous. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
lucid_ Clear in intellect; rational, sane. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
derision_ Laughing to scorn; ridicule, mockery. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
insurmountable_ Something that can't be overcome or passed over. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
tacit_ Silent; not openly stated; understood, inferred. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
portents_ A sign, indication, or omen of a momentous event that is about to happen. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
baseness_ Cowardice, selfishness, or meanness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
volubly_ Spoken confidently and forcefully. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/volubly
palpable_ Plainly observable; noticeable. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
vociferously_ With great noise. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inexorable_ Continuing without being stopped. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/inexorable
gaoler_ I.e. jailer. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
turned_ He came out for a reason. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
hassock_ A thick firm cushion used as a footrest or to kneel upon in church. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
venial_ Worthy of forgiveness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
hand_ Satisfying only one's immediate needs because of a lack of money. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
blush_ When you first see something. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/at-first-blush
melancholy_ Gloomy, mournful, or dejected; gloomily. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
gaily_ Cheerfully, joyously. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
denouncing_ To proclaim, announce, declare. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
alluding_ To suggest, hint; to refer indirectly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
rueful_ Remorse, sorrow, or regret. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inexorably_ Relentlessly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
designedly_ By design; on purpose; intentionally or deliberately. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
precocity_ Early maturity. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
convalescent_ Someone recovering from sickness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
exultation_ Rejoicing greatly; joyousness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
unimpeachable_ Unable to be called into question or accused. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
poignancy_ Sharpness of feeling or emotion, especially of sadness, regret, or sorrow. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
bravado_ Bold or daring action intended to intimidate. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
jubilation_ Rejoicing, gladness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
exemplary_ Something that is a good example; excellent, outstanding, perfect. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
conspicuous_ Clearly visible; easy to be seen. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
tantamount_ Something equivalent (to). Source: Oxford English Dictionary
repast_ Food, nourishment. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pursuance_ Seeking after or aiming at something, or trying to accomplish some object. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
mute_ Quiet; making no sound. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
volumes_ To be highly expressive or significant. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
communed_ To talk together, converse with someone. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
demurred_ Made difficulties; to raise objection. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
mooring_ The place where a ship is secured. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
interposing_ To interrupt. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sovereign_ Supreme, greatest, or most notable. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
quail_ To lose heart, be discouraged. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
reprobation_ Rejection of a person or thing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
odorous_ Having a strong or unpleasant smell. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
chit_ An offensive way of saying someone is no better than a child. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
repudiate_ To refuse to accept or be associated with; to reject. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sequestration_ Separated, secluded, retired. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inscrutably_ Beyond searching out; unfathomably. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
perambulations_ The action of walking through or around a place or space; a walk. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
beguiled_ To delude, deceive, cheat. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incontestably_ Unquestionably, indisputably. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
specious_ Having a fair or attractive appearance. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
wrest_ take by force; to seize, capture, or take. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
admonition_ Authoritative advice or warning. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
hypocrisy_ A fake appearance of virtue or goodness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
repudiating_ Casting off; reject something. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
perverse_ Wicked, evil, debased. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
transcendently_ Surpassingly, supremely. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sentinel_ Someone who keeps guard. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
elation_ Joyousness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pathos_ A quality which evokes pity, sadness, or tenderness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
veritable_ Truth. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
convulsed_ To shake violently. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
supplication_ A humble plea. Source: Oxford English Dictionary