logo

31 pages 1 hour read

Stephen Crane

An Episode of War

Stephen CraneFiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2009

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Vocabulary

How to use

This section presents terms and phrases that are central to understanding the text and may present a challenge to the reader. Use this list to create a vocabulary quiz or worksheet, to prepare flashcards for a standardized test, or to inspire classroom word games and other group activities.

Vocabulary List

1. breastwork (noun):

a defensive work, usually chest-high 

“Corporals and other representatives of the grimy and hot-throated men who lined the breastwork had come for each squad's portion.” (Paragraph 1)

2. thronging (present progressive verb):

crowding

3. reap (verb):

to gather or take

“He was on the verge of a great triumph in mathematics, and the corporals were thronging forward, each to reap a little square, when suddenly the lieutenant cried out and looked quickly at a man near him as if he suspected it was a case of personal assault.” (Paragraph 2)

4. compelled (past participle):

forced; driven; brought about by force

“The officer had, of course, been compelled to take his sword into his left hand.” (Paragraph 5)

5. stupefaction (noun):

overwhelming amazement

6. trident (noun):

a three-pronged weapon

“In short, this weapon had of a sudden become a strange thing to him. He looked at it in a kind of stupefaction, as if he had been endowed with a trident, a sceptre, or a spade.
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 31 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools