Underrated Treasures, Whacky Words & Afri-Scape
Welcome to the Underrated Treasures Blogfest!
The Pearl – John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck’s novella, The Pearl, focuses on a single central question: Is there danger in wanting to improve one’s lot in life? In this parable, Kino is an impoverished Indian who lives near the town of La Paz, Mexico, on the Gulf of California; when he discovers “the greatest pearl in the world,” his life is irrevocably changed. Though the plot is simple, the themes in The Pearl touch on many fundamental aspects of human nature and human experience; ambition, obsession, oppression, greed, reason, instinct, trust, and self-preservation are all addressed in the narrative.
It’s time for WHACKY WORDS! Remember, this is supposed to be FUN!
Thank you to everybody who played along for the previous word. The real meaning of the word Dashpot is – a device for damping shock or vibration. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashpot
The definition that I really enjoyed was posted by – QUANIE MILLER. She defined it as: the secret stash of money a cheating wife keeps so she can get out of town when her husband finds out about her affair…to which I responded: she’s got the stash – so I’d call it a dash with panache! Congrats Quanie. I’ll contact you shortly.
Today’s word is
EXPERGEFACTION
This is a natural reflex resulting from an unexpected encounter with your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/in-law which is followed by a deep sense of satisfaction!
That’s my definition. (The word does have a meaning, but you are invited to play along by providing your own original meaning. No cheating and looking up the word. I’ll post the meaning next week). So do you wanna play along? Leave your definition in the comment section below.
* * * * * *
AFRI-SCAPE
Up close & personal…what a beauty!
The book sounds interesting – will be adding it to my reading list. Thanks!
Thanks for the visit, Jen.
I read The Pearl a long time ago. I think it was one of the first books I read that made me stop and think. I don’t recall what I thought about, LOL, but I remember thinking how profound I thought the story was.
EXPERGEFACTION: A group of people who believe they know all there is to know about everything.
The story is simple but profound. 🙂
And I know all about those ‘know-it-alls’ – they are ALWAYS right.
No, never read the Pearl.
Definition – a support group for those who used to perge.
Well, this could be the code name for IWSG, couldn’t it? After all, the writers ‘purge’ via their monthly posts…?
Hi Michelle,
I’m pretty sure I read The Pearl many moons ago in school. And “is there danger in wanting to improve one’s lot in life?” Well, I think it depends on how one goes about pursuing a better life. And thanks for picking my definition!
So it gives rise to the question: how does one go about pursuing a better life? I suppose it’s also influenced by the socio-economic context.
Definitely thought-provoking.
The Pearl can’t be underrated! No. I won’t allow that. “And Kino ran for a high place,” will always be in my head. Realism. Harsh and riveting. I love stuff like.
I suppose it’s not really underrated.
But it’s a GEM that’s not given enough attention…
Harsh and riveting – perfect description… it lingers with the reader…
The Pearl is a great book! Nice choice!
And I love your definition too much to add a different one – you made me laugh. 🙂
Glad I could provide some entertainment! 🙂
ooh, TIGER!! ^_^
Expergefaction: A group of individuals who are more of an expert in an area of expertise than other individuals
Sounds like the group who get the upper hand in a factional war! LOL
Ooh, now I want to read The Pearl by John Steinbeck. It sounds wonderful.
It’s a GREAT book. You should read it.
Hi Michelle .. sounds like The Pearl is a must read book – I will check it out of the Library … Congratulations to Quanie for her Dashpot … and now Expergefaction … the opposite of Pergefaction – to undo the Perfgefaction’s units …
I’ve no idea!! Cheers Hilary
Sounds like the Opposition Party. 🙂
Thanks for playing along, Hilary!
Haven’t read The Pearl. Will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing your book pick for the Underrated Treasures Blogfest.
Read it. It will be worth your while. 🙂
I’ve heard of the book, but I haven’t read it.
My definition – having the satisfaction of being an expert at cutting out all the unnecessary details…wait, that sounds like a good editor…
Ah, so that’s the name for the emotion that editors have been trying to capture and put into words… 🙂
Afri-scape–What you feel the urge to do the first time you go on a true African safari and see wild animals up close and personal!
I’ll also have to checkout The Pearl. Expergefaction – A convention for aloof exporters. Congrats to Quanie!
A convention where the exporters remain aloof, for the duration of their attendance? I wonder how much business they conduct? 🙂
I like your definition of expergefaction…I’m having a hard enough time spelling the word!
It’s quite a mouthful, isn’t it? 🙂
I have never read The Pearl, but it sounds like a wonderful story.
I love Quanie’s definition of Dashpot!
Quanie’s definition was a classic! 🙂 You should add The Pearl to your TBR. It’s a story that resonates…
The Pearl sounds like a good read. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to better yourself, but I think people don’t understand what that means. Many people live above their means because it’s better for their comfort, but in the long run it hurts them.
I have to start paying more attention. I didn’t know about these word games. They’re pretty cool.
I think expergefaction is a militant group who disposes of old and unwanted aquaintances.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
A militant group that gets rid of old and unwanted acquaintances…? I’m now wondering about the disposal techniques that they use…
Thanks for playing along!
The book sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Patricia!
I am curious now. I like to find stories set in Mexico. I’ll add it to my TBR list.
I don’t feel too creative right now as to come with a meaning. I’ll come back if something clever occurs to me. 🙂
Father D, you will LOVE the story!
Thanks for the visit. 🙂
Haven’t read The Pearl, Michelle, but it’s one I’ve known about for a long time.
Liked Quanie’s definition of Dashpot too. Fitting. 🙂
EXPERGEFACTION – A process of purging the memory of political party indoctrination.
Joy, I urge you to get your hands on the book. It’s really good!
I think that lots of citizens from lots of countries around the world need a dose of expergefaction! LOL
Oh, by the way, I’m chuffed that you know Shinehead. I have all his albums and every time he performed in Jamaica, I was there. I kid you not when I say that I knew every word to each of his songs. Can you say fangirl? 😀
Shinehead is a GREAT artist! Really groovy! 🙂
I had to study The Pearl in school, consequently I didn’t appreciate it. I should read it again.
You SHOULD read it again. It’s a quick read too.
Hmm, I think I’ll try to use that new word.
I read The Pearl long ago, but can’t remember it.
Good luck trying to use the new word, Medeia. 🙂
I think we read The Pearl in school, but it was so long ago that I don’t really remember the specifics–I could also be getting it confused with The Black Pearl by Scott O’Dell. Either way, I will have to add it to my Classics TBR list. Thanks for the suggestion!
It’s a riveting story…which resonates… 🙂
Oh my gosh! The Whacky word thing is HILARIOUS… hahaha…
And I’ve never read The Pearl. Gosh, how have I not heard of it? Seems like a lot of people have read it.
The Pearl is a GEM! You should read it when you get the chance… 🙂
The Pearl sounds really deep and touching. I hadn’t heard of it before, not I have to look into it. 🙂
EXPERGEFACTION: A group of General Electric employees whose expertise is knowing all possible facts about ion.
It’s a deep story which resonates…
Great definition. It fits the word.
Is knowledge of ions required in the making of irons and other appliances? If so, then those employees could be onto something… 🙂
Oh, I read The Pearl (many) years ago in school but had forgotten about it. Now I want to read it again. Thanks for the reminder.
Happy Reading!
I think I also need to read it again…it’s one of those stories that you can read over and over.
I’ve read The Pearl. Excellent choice!
Thanks for stopping by on my Blitz day! I appreciate it!
Hope you had a wonderful Blitz experience, Sherry! 🙂
I’ve always found Steinbeck straightforward and honest writer. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Yes, he is.
I still need to read some of his other stories. 🙂
The Pearl sounds like an interesting read. Would like to read it.
The EXPER… What’s that again? 🙂 OK. One more time. EXPERGEFACTION. Did I write that correctly? A good tongue twister, Michelle. 🙂 Anyway, hmmm… It’s the process of purging one’s initial draft from all weedy words and confusing twists that bring a reader out of your tale. Or it may be an expert’s need to purge himself of a high and mighty attitude. 🙂 Just playing along here.
Hope you’re having a great weekend, Michelle! Oh, I brought coffee. Here you go. 🙂
Thanks for the delicious coffee! 🙂
Yes, purge that initial draft to your satisfaction… get rid of all weedy words and confusing twists that bring a reader out of the tale. Great definition, Sittie. Thanks for playing along. 🙂
I like that quote by Steinbeck. Will look for this book as I like some of his work. I think we have to take risks in life or we just putter down the road until we reach the end. No vibrancy, and nothing worth a story.
What we decide we want in life determines if we want to take risks. I’m glad I’ve taken several, and avoided the dull path thus far. As for acquiring negative aspects to our personality through trying to better our lives, that is a choice we make, and we do make those choices consciously or not, although some of them will be poor ones.
Taking risks? Yes, we need to, or else we just fall into the ‘same-old, same-old’…a mundane and uneventful existence…though some people are happy with it.
Lots of human beings love their “comfort zones”…
Thanks for the visit DG.
Love the quote– read The Pearl a long time ago– it brought back so many memories!
Thanks Damyanti!
I’ve been to La Paz a few times. It’s such a pretty little town. Love the story and the quote.
La Paz does sound like a quaint spot…you’re lucky!