indulgently here, meaning patiently, contentedly, and happily.
Elsewhere a place outside of the community; Lowry only hints at what and where Elsewhere is.
Ceremony of Loss When a child dies unexpectedly, the citizens of the community repeat the dead person’s name over and over—and more and more softly—during the day.
Murmur-of-Replacement Ceremony When a new infant is given to a family unit to replace a child who died unexpectedly, the citizens of the community speak the child’s name softly at first, then more rapidly and loudly, symbolizing the return of the dead child. The new infant is given the same name as that of the child who died.
buoyancy the ability to stay afloat.
aptitude skill or ability.
sheepish embarrassed and uncomfortable.
retroactive putting something in effect at an earlier time.
ruefully regretfully or sadly.
piecemeal scattered; not together or in unison.
benign not harmful; gentle and calm.
indolence laziness.
Capacity to See Beyond having the ability to see things that others cannot see.
