Chapter 1: The Lament

The set of words given are the different ways of breathing.

Snuffle – To breathe noisily due to cold or crying

Snort – To breathe noisily through the nose to express anger

Sniffle – To breathe air through the nose by making sound, especially while having a cold or crying

Snore – To breathe noisily through nose and mouth while asleep

snigger – chuckle, titter, chuckle, giggle, chortle

wriggle – sneak, sidle, scramble, struggle, plod

squeak – squawk, guffaw, shriek, croak

jeer – boo

sigh – pant, gasp

The colour of light is white. The irony in ‘The Lament’ is evident in the darkness portrayed in the story. At the beginning of the story, in order to convey the misery of Iona Potapov, the narrator explains that he is so white that it makes him look like a phantom. His horse is also white. The colour of snow is white. Snow here reflects the lethargy and despondency of the winter season and how the whole atmosphere and environment appear to be thrown into sadness. The evening sets in, making it look so withered and white. The light of the street lamps is white, which replaces the brighter rays. The whole setting, which lays stress on the surroundings, reflects the loneliness of the cab driver.

The actual phrase is ‘on pins and needles, ’ which means to be anxiously waiting to see what is going to occur.

Another phrase with a similar meaning is ‘on tenterhooks’.