Spooked: Chapters 1–2

by Gail Jarrow
In 1938, Orson Welles performed a radio version of H.G. Wells's science fiction novel The War of the Worlds — and inadvertently sparked panic among listeners who believed they were tuned in to a real news broadcast about an alien invasion. This award-winning book tells the story behind the broadcast and explores the effects of false information in the media.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1–2, Chapters 3–4, Chapters 5–7, Chapters 8–11, Dear Mr. Welles–Chapter 12, Dear FCC–Hoaxes
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. ominous
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
    The ominous developments overseas added to the public’s worries.
  2. warily
    in a manner marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
    Nations watched warily as Germany’s power grew again.
  3. militia
    civilians trained as soldiers, not part of the regular army
    New Jersey’s state militia was deployed to confront the enemy with seven thousand heavily armed infantry soldiers.
  4. deploy
    place troops or weapons in battle formation
    New Jersey’s state militia was deployed to confront the enemy with seven thousand heavily armed infantry soldiers.
  5. infantry
    an army unit consisting of soldiers who fight on foot
    New Jersey’s state militia was deployed to confront the enemy with seven thousand heavily armed infantry soldiers.
  6. grim
    harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance
    Later, an announcer grimly told the audience that the militia had been overwhelmed in battle.
  7. martial
    of or relating to the armed forces
    Officials declared martial law in New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania.
  8. downcast
    filled with melancholy and despondency
    Confirming the radio listeners’ worst fears, a downcast voice lamented, “They wrecked the greatest country in the world.”
  9. lament
    express grief verbally
    Confirming the radio listeners’ worst fears, a downcast voice lamented, “They wrecked the greatest country in the world.”
  10. temperament
    your usual mood
    They had different backgrounds, skills, and temperaments.
  11. composed
    serenely self-possessed and free from agitation
    One was organized, composed, and practical.
  12. prestigious
    having an excellent reputation; respected
    After winning a prestigious scholarship, Houseman seemed destined to attend a British university.
  13. shambles
    a condition of great disorder
    His business in shambles, he decided he had nothing to lose by following his dream of a full-time writing career.
  14. knack
    a special way of doing something
    He had a knack for pulling together a group of artistic people, guiding them in staging a play, raising money, and managing the finances.
  15. appeal
    be attractive to
    As they went their separate ways that night, Houseman hoped the challenge of the role would appeal to Welles.
  16. blank verse
    unrhymed poetry, usually in iambic pentameter
    The play was demanding because the dialogue was in blank verse.
  17. reverberate
    ring or echo with sound
    Welles delivered the lines flawlessly in his deep, reverberating voice, described by a critic as "[taking] possession of a theatre.”
  18. dote
    shower with love; show excessive affection for
    Born on May 6, 1915, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he was doted on by his mother, an accomplished pianist and suffragette.
  19. suffragette
    a woman advocate of women's right to vote
    Born on May 6, 1915, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he was doted on by his mother, an accomplished pianist and suffragette.
  20. precocious
    characterized by exceptionally early development
    While he was back living in Wisconsin and attending elementary school, a Madison newspaper ran an article about his precocious accomplishments.
  21. upheaval
    a state of violent disturbance and disorder
    Yet Welles's childhood was one of upheaval.
  22. pudgy
    short and plump
    One New York reviewer wrote of him: “Although he is physically graceless offstage, pudgy and unathletic, his size [six feet two inches] and booming voice give him an authoritative...stage presence.”
  23. troupe
    an organization of performers and associated personnel
    Using a stable troupe of actors, the Mercury Theatre presented a series of plays.
  24. excursion
    a journey taken for pleasure
    The reviews were generally positive, and a theatre critic called one production “an exciting excursion into stagecraft.”
  25. innate
    inborn or existing naturally
    Houseman admired the “innate dramatic instinct” Welles brought to each show.
  26. perfectionist
    one displeased by anything that does not meet high standards
    A perfectionist, he often lost his temper and patience.
  27. publicity
    a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea
    Along with the flattering publicity came an offer from the CBS Radio Network.
  28. modest
    not large but sufficient in size or amount
    The network hadn’t found a sponsor, such as a cereal or soap company. That meant the budget would be modest.
  29. recreation
    an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
    In fact, listening to radio broadcasts ranked as Americans’ favorite recreation—more popular than movies, books, or sports events.
  30. transfix
    render motionless because of surprise, terror, or awe
    They all knew how to weave a story onstage that transfixed an audience.
Created on Wed May 01 13:25:24 EDT 2019 (updated Wed May 01 16:25:14 EDT 2019)

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