a crazy Thurber cartoon allusion to James Thurber (1894–1961), American short-story writer and cartoonist.
a few Pullman porters allusion to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first successful black labor union in the U.S.
a new birth of a nation allusion to Birth of a Nation (originally titled The Klansman), often described as one of the most racist films ever made.
All sickness is not unto death allusion to Soren Kierkegaard (1813–55), a Danish philosopher noted for his philosophy of Existentialism. Kierkegaard is the author of The Sickness Unto Death: A Christian Exposition for Edification and Awakening, which contends that the "sickness unto death" is despair.
allow me to chew the rag slang for "let me speak freely" or "indulge me."
alpacas a thin cloth woven from the wool of a llama, often mixed with other fibers.
antiphonal sung or chanted in alternation. The allusion is to a child's game, such as "London Bridge Is Falling Down."
Aristotle ancient Greek philosopher, pupil of Plato; noted for works on logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, etc.
armistice a temporary stopping of warfare by mutual agreement, as a truce preliminary to the signing of a peace treaty. Armistice Day (November 11), now known as Veteran's Day, marks the anniversary of the armistice of World War I in 1918.
arpeggios chords played so that the notes of each chord are played in quick succession instead of simultaneously.
aviary a large cage or building for keeping many birds.
"Back Water Blues" song made famous by blues singer Bessie Smith (1894–1937), known as "The Empress of the Blues."
balustrade a railing held up by small posts, or balusters, as on a staircase.
bilious having or resulting from some ailment of the bile or the liver.
Brutus Marcus Junius Brutus (c. 85–42 B.C.) Roman statesman and general; one of the conspirators who murdered Julius Caesar.
charlatan a person who pretends to have expert knowledge or skill; a fake.
Charlie Chaplin pants Charlie Chaplin (Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin, 1889–1977), an English film actor, director, and producer, was a famous comedian in the United States, noted for wearing big, oversized pants and playing a loveable clown in films such as The Little Tramp.
Chthonian of the underworld of the dead and its gods or spirits.
