1.Revolt of the evil fairies (an attempt to get rid of a government by using violence)

2.It was the one occasion on which they let us use the old Cooper Opera House , and even some of the white folks came out yearly to applaud our presentation. (to hit your open hands together to show that you’ve enjoyed a play, concert, speaker. etc.)

3.The first two rows of the orchestra were always reserved for our white friends, and our leading colored citizens sat right behind them — with an empty row intervening, of course. (if an event intervenes, it delays or interrupts something else)

4.This distinctive garb was usually reserved for those rare occasions when he officiated at the funerals of our most prominent colored citizens. (having a special quality, character, or appearance that is different and easy to recognize; unique)

5.And the forces of evil, of course, always came off second best. (British English to be the most or least successful, or get the most or least advantages from a situation)

6.The Booker T. Washington Colored Grammar School was in a state of ferment (a situation of great excitement or trouble in a country, especially caused by political change) from Christmas until February, for this was the period when parts were assigned. (to give someone a particular job or make them responsible for a particular person or thing)

7.And strangely enough most of the Good Fairies usually turned out to be extremely light in complexion, with straight hair and white folks’ features. (the natural color or appearance of the skin on your face)

8.And though nobody ever discussed those thing openly, it was an accepted fact that a lack of pigmentation (the natural color of living things) was a decided advantage in the Prince Charming and Sleeping Beauty sweepstakes. (a type of betting in which the winner receives all the money risked by everyone else?)

9.And therein lay my personal tragedy. (used to say something is caused by or comes from a particular situation)

10.I was the leading debater and the scion of a respected family in the community. (a young member of a famous or important family)

11. For they knew that I would be leading the forces of darkness and skulking (to hide or move about secretly, trying not to be noticed, especially when you are intending to do something bad) back in the shadows – waiting to be vanquished in the third act. (to defeat someone or something completely)

12. I probably took it more to heart. (to consider what someone says to you very seriously)

13. Rat Joiner, for once, could rationalize the situation. (to think about something or improve it in a practical, sensible way)

14. They even had a “Blue Vein Society,” and if your dark skin obscured (to prevent something from being seen or heard clearly) your throbbing (it beats faster or more strongly than usual) pulse, you were hardly a member of the elite.

15. Yet I was inconsolable the first time they turned me down for Prince Charming. (so sad that it is impossible for anyone to comfort you)

16. Roger was not only dumb; he stuttered. (to speak with difficulty because you cannot stop yourself from repeating the first consonant of some words)

17.In all fairness, however, it must be admitted Roger had other qualifications. (used after you have just criticized someone, in order to add something that explains their behavior or performance)

18. Of course Sarah never encouraged me much. She never answered any of my fervent (believing or feeling something very strongly and sincerely) love letters, and Rat was very scornful (feeling or expressing contempt for someone or something) of my one-side love affairs.

19. “as long as she don’t call you a black baboon,” he sneered, (to smile or speak in a very unkind way that shows you have no respect for someone or something) “you’ll keep on hanging around” (to wait or stay somewhere with no real purpose)