- paranoianounChapter 1 →
An overwhelming, irrational fear or suspicion that danger or harm is constantly present, even when no real threat exists.
- silhouettenounChapter 1 →
The dark outline or shadow-shape of a person or object left against a contrasting background, here burned permanently into a wall by intense heat.
- radioactiveadjectiveChapter 1 →
Emitting harmful invisible radiation as a result of nuclear decay; here describing the deadly fallout left after an atomic explosion.
- titanicadjectiveChapter 1 →
Enormous in scale or force, far beyond ordinary size or power, used here to emphasize the overwhelming destructive energy of the blast.
- obliviousadjectiveChapter 1 →
Completely unaware of or paying no attention to what is happening around it; here describing the automated house carrying on as though nothing has changed.
- sublimeadjectiveChapter 1 →
Of such overwhelming greatness or beauty that it inspires awe; here used to describe the indifferent, almost majestic persistence of nature after human destruction.
- tremulousadjectiveChapter 1 →
Quivering or shaking slightly, as with nervousness or weakness; here describing a quality of sound or movement that is delicate and unsteady.
- regimentnounChapter 1 →
A large, strictly organized military unit; here used figuratively to suggest the mechanical, soldier-like precision with which the house's automated devices carry out their tasks.
- incineratornounChapter 1 →
A furnace or enclosed chamber designed to burn waste material completely to ash; here a built-in device the house uses to dispose of rubbish.
- martininounChapter 1 →
A classic cocktail made with gin or vodka and vermouth; here prepared automatically by the house as part of its pre-programmed evening routine.
- paranoidadjectiveChapter 1 →
Characterized by extreme, unfounded suspicion or fear of harm; here describing the house's hyper-vigilant sensors that treat any unknown presence as a potential threat.
- atticnounChapter 1 →
The space directly under a roof, used here as the location from which the house's fire-fighting systems and stored materials operate or are housed.
- boughnounChapter 1 →
A large, main branch of a tree; an older, somewhat literary word used here in the poem recited by the house to evoke a natural, pastoral image.
- whirverbChapter 1 →
To make a continuous, soft buzzing or humming sound produced by something spinning or moving rapidly, like the mechanical mice or other automated devices in the house.
- caperingverbChapter 1 →
Skipping or leaping about in a lively, playful way; here describing the frantic, erratic movements of the robotic mice as they rush about cleaning.
There Will Come Soft RainsShort story by Ray Bradbury