Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 13

'Only a thimble,' said Alice sadly.

• Only a thimble: just a small metal cap used in sewing to protect the finger [ˈoʊnli ə ˈθɪmbəl]
• said Alice sadly: Alice spoke in a sorrowful manner [sɛd ˈælɪs ˈsædli]

'Hand it over here,' said the Dodo.

• Hand it over here: give it to me; pass it to me [hænd ɪt ˈoʊvər hir]
• said the Dodo: the Dodo spoke [sɛd ðə ˈdoʊdoʊ]

Then they all crowded round her once more, while the Dodo solemnly presented the thimble, saying 'We beg your acceptance of this elegant thimble'; and, when it had finished this short speech, they all cheered.

• Then: following in time or sequence [ðɛn]
• they all crowded round her: everyone gathered closely around her [ðeɪ ɔl ˈkraʊdɪd raʊnd hər]
• once more: again; one more time [wəns mɔr]
• while the Dodo: at the same time as the Dodo [waɪl ðə ˈdoʊdoʊ]
• solemnly presented: formally and seriously gave [ˈsɔləmli pərˈzɛnəd]
• the thimble: the small metal cap [ðə ˈθɪmbəl]
• of this elegant thimble: of this refined and stylish thimble' [əv ðɪs ˈɛləgənt ˈθɪmbəl]
• and, when it had finished: and, after it completed [ənd wɪn ɪt hæd ˈfɪnɪʃt]
• this short speech: this brief address [ðɪs ʃɔrt spiʧ]
• they all cheered: everyone expressed their approval with shouts of joy [ðeɪ ɔl ʧɪrd]

Alice thought the whole thing very absurd, but they all looked so grave that she did not dare to laugh; and, as she could not think of anything to say, she simply bowed, and took the thimble, looking as solemn as she could.

• Alice: a proper noun, likely the name of the main character [ˈælɪs]
• thought: past tense of 'think', meaning to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]
• the whole thing: referring to the entire situation or event being discussed [ðə hoʊl θɪŋ]
• very absurd: extremely ridiculous or nonsensical [ˈvɛri əbˈsərd]
• but: a conjunction used to introduce a contrasting statement [bət]
• they all: referring to a group of people or characters previously mentioned [ðeɪ ɔl]
• looked: past tense of 'look', meaning to appear or seem [lʊkt]
• so grave: very serious and solemn [soʊ greɪv]
• that: a conjunction introducing a result or consequence [ðət]
• she: referring to Alice [ʃi]
• did not dare: did not have the courage or confidence [dɪd nɑt dɛr]
• to laugh: to express amusement or happiness by making sounds and facial movements [tɪ læf]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
• as: a conjunction indicating a reason or cause [ɛz]
• she: referring to Alice [ʃi]
• could not: was unable to [kʊd nɑt]
• think of: to come up with or imagine [θɪŋk əv]
• anything to say: any words or statements to utter [ˈɛniˌθɪŋ tɪ seɪ]
• she: referring to Alice [ʃi]
• simply bowed: performed a respectful gesture of bending the body forward [ˈsɪmpli boʊd]
• and: a conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]
• took: past tense of 'take', meaning to grasp or accept [tʊk]
• the thimble: a small metal cap used in sewing to protect the finger [ðə ˈθɪmbəl]
• looking: appearing or seeming [ˈlʊkɪŋ]
• as solemn as: as serious and dignified as possible [ɛz ˈsɑləm ɛz]
• she could: she was able to be [ʃi kʊd]

The next thing was to eat the comfits: this caused some noise and confusion, as the large birds complained that they could not taste theirs, and the small ones choked and had to be patted on the back.

• The next thing: the subsequent event or action [ðə nɛkst θɪŋ]
• was: past tense of 'be', linking the subject to the description [wɑz]
• to eat: to consume food [tɪ it]
• the comfits: sugar-coated candies or sweets [ðə comfits]
• this: referring to the act of eating the comfits [ðɪs]
• caused: past tense of 'cause', meaning to bring about or produce [kɔzd]
• some noise: a certain amount of loud or disruptive sound [səm nɔɪz]
• and confusion: a state of disorder or uncertainty [ənd kənfˈjuʒən]
• as: because [ɛz]
• the large birds: the bigger avian creatures [ðə lɑrʤ bərdz]
• complained: expressed dissatisfaction or annoyance [kəmˈpleɪnd]
• that: introducing a subordinate clause stating the reason for complaint [ðət]
• they: referring to the large birds [ðeɪ]
• could not: were unable to [kʊd nɑt]
• taste: to perceive the flavor of [teɪst]
• theirs: belonging to them, referring to the comfits [ðɛrz]
• and: a conjunction connecting two related events [ənd]
• the small ones: the smaller avian creatures [ðə smɔl wənz]
• choked: had difficulty breathing because something was stuck in their throat [ʧoʊkt]
• and: a conjunction connecting two related events [ənd]
• had to be: were required to be [hæd tɪ bi]
• patted: gently tapped or stroked [ˈpætɪd]
• on the back: on their posterior side [ɔn ðə bæk]

However, it was over at last, and they sat down again in a ring, and begged the Mouse to tell them something more.

• However: a transitional word indicating a contrast or change in direction [ˌhaʊˈɛvər]
• it: referring to the noisy and confusing situation [ɪt]
• was over: had ended [wɑz ˈoʊvər]
• at last: finally, after some time or difficulty [æt læst]
• and: a conjunction connecting two related events [ənd]
• they: referring to the group of characters, including the birds [ðeɪ]
• sat down: took a seated position [sæt daʊn]
• again: once more, repeating the action [əˈgɛn]
• in a ring: arranged in a circular formation [ɪn ə rɪŋ]
• and: a conjunction connecting two related actions [ənd]
• begged: earnestly requested [bɛgd]
• the Mouse: a character identified as a mouse [ðə maʊs]
• to tell: to narrate or recount [tɪ tɛl]
• them: referring to the group of characters [ðɛm]
• something more: an additional story or information [ˈsəmθɪŋ mɔr]

'You promised to tell me your history, you know,' said Alice, 'and why it is you hate—C and D,' she added in a whisper, half afraid that it would be offended again.

• You promised: Indicates that someone made a commitment or assurance in the past [ju ˈprɑməst]
• to tell: To communicate information or narrate a story [tɪ tɛl]
• me: The speaker or writer referring to themselves [mi]
• your history: The story of your past experiences and events [jʊr ˈhɪstəri]
• you know: A phrase used for emphasis or to seek agreement [ju noʊ]
• said: Spoken or uttered [sɛd]
• Alice: A proper noun, referring to a specific person [ˈælɪs]
• and why: Expressing the reason or cause for something [ənd waɪ]
• it is: Referring to the reason or cause [ɪt ɪz]
• you hate: To dislike intensely [ju heɪt]
• C and D: Representing specific things or people that are disliked [si ənd di]
• she added: She included further information [ʃi ˈædɪd]
• in a whisper: Speaking very softly [ɪn ə ˈwɪspər]
• half afraid: Partially scared or apprehensive [hæf əˈfreɪd]
• that it: Referring to something previously mentioned [ðət ɪt]
• would be offended: To feel hurt or upset [wʊd bi əˈfɛndɪd]
• again: Once more or repeatedly [əˈgɛn]

'Mine is a long and a sad tale!' said the Mouse, turning to Alice, and sighing.

• Mine is: Belonging to me; my possession [maɪn ɪz]
• a long: Extended in length or duration [ə lɔŋ]
• and a sad tale: A story that is both lengthy and sorrowful [ənd ə sæd teɪl]
• said: Spoken or uttered [sɛd]
• the Mouse: A small rodent, the speaker in this context [ðə maʊs]
• turning: Changing direction [ˈtərnɪŋ]
• to Alice: Towards Alice, indicating the recipient of the speech [tɪ ˈælɪs]
• and sighing: Emitting a long, deep breath expressing sadness or weariness [ənd saɪɪŋ]

'It IS a long tail, certainly,' said Alice, looking down with wonder at the Mouse's tail; 'but why do you call it sad?' And she kept on puzzling about it while the Mouse was speaking, so that her idea of the tale was something like this:—

• It IS: Emphasizing that something is indeed the case [ɪt ɪz]
• a long tail: A lengthy appendage at the rear of an animal [ə lɔŋ teɪl]
• certainly: Without a doubt; definitely [ˈsərtənli]
• said: Spoken or uttered [sɛd]
• Alice: A proper noun, referring to a specific person [ˈælɪs]
• looking down: Directing one's gaze downwards [ˈlʊkɪŋ daʊn]
• with wonder: With a feeling of amazement and curiosity [wɪθ ˈwəndər]
• at the Mouse's tail: Observing the tail belonging to the Mouse [æt ðə mouses teɪl]
• but why: Expressing the reason or cause for something [bət waɪ]
• do you call: To refer to something as [du ju kɔl]
• it sad: Describing something as causing sorrow or unhappiness [ɪt sæd]
• And she kept on: And she continued [ənd ʃi kɛpt ɔn]
• puzzling: Thinking hard to solve a problem [ˈpəzəlɪŋ]
• about it: Concerning the matter at hand [əˈbaʊt ɪt]
• while: During the time that [waɪl]
• the Mouse: A small rodent, the speaker in this context [ðə maʊs]
• was speaking: Was in the process of talking [wɑz ˈspikɪŋ]
• so that: With the result that [soʊ ðət]
• her idea: Her mental concept or understanding [hər aɪˈdiə]
• of the tale: Concerning the story being told [əv ðə teɪl]
• was something like this: Resembled the following [wɑz ˈsəmθɪŋ laɪk ðɪs]

'Fury said to a

• Fury said: The character Fury spoke [fˈjʊri sɛd]
• to a: Directed towards a [tɪ ə]

mouse, That he

• mouse: a small rodent with a pointed snout, relatively large ears and eyes, and a long tail [maʊs]
• That: used to introduce a relative clause specifying the mouse [ðət]
• he: pronoun referring to the mouse [hi]

met in the

• met: past tense of 'meet', meaning to encounter or come into contact with [mɛt]
• in: preposition indicating location or containment [ɪn]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific house [ðə]

house,

• house: a building used as a dwelling [haʊs]

"Let us

• Let us: an invitation or suggestion for a group to do something together [lɛt ˈjuˈɛs]

both go to

• both: referring to two individuals or things [boʊθ]
• go: to move or travel [goʊ]
• to: preposition indicating direction or purpose [tɪ]

law: I will

• law: the system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members [lɔ]
• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• will: auxiliary verb used to express future tense or intention [wɪl]

prosecute

• prosecute: to institute legal proceedings against a person or organization [ˈprɑsəˌkjut]

YOU.—Come,

• YOU: second-person singular or plural pronoun, used to refer to the person or people being addressed [ju]
• Come: used to express encouragement or impatience [kəm]

I'll take no

• I'll: contraction of 'I will' [aɪl]
• take: to seize or capture [teɪk]
• no: not any [noʊ]

denial; We

• denial: the act of stating that something is not true [dɪˈnaɪəl]
• We: first-person plural pronoun [wi]

must have a

• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• have: to possess or experience [hæv]
• a: indefinite article, referring to one trial [ə]

trial: For

• trial: a formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically a jury, in order to decide guilt or innocence in a case of criminal or civil proceedings [traɪəl]
• For: used to introduce a reason or explanation [fər]

really this

• really: in fact; actually [ˈrɪli]
• this: referring to the current morning [ðɪs]

morning I've

• morning: the period of time between sunrise and noon [ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• I've: contraction of 'I have' [aɪv]

nothing

• nothing: not anything; no single thing [ˈnəθɪŋ]

to do."

• to do: to perform an action or task [tɪ du]

Said the

• Said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific mouse [ðə]

mouse to the

• mouse: a small rodent [maʊs]
• to: preposition indicating direction [tɪ]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific cur [ðə]

cur, "Such

• cur: an aggressive mongrel dog, especially a worthless or unfriendly one [kər]
• Such: of the type previously mentioned [səʧ]

a trial,

• a trial: a formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically a jury, in order to decide guilt or innocence in a case of criminal or civil proceedings [ə traɪəl]

dear Sir,

• dear Sir: a polite way of addressing someone, especially in formal correspondence [dɪr sər]

With

• With: preposition indicating being together or being involved [wɪθ]

no jury

• no: not any [noʊ]
• jury: a body of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case on the basis of evidence submitted to them [ˈʤʊri]

or judge,

• or: used to link alternatives [ər]
• judge: a public official appointed to decide cases in a law court [ʤəʤ]

would be

• would: expressing a conditional or possible event [wʊd]
• be: to exist or occur [bi]

wasting

• wasting: using or expending carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose [ˈweɪstɪŋ]

our

• our: belonging to or associated with the speaker and one or more other people [ɑr]

breath."

• breath: the air inhaled or exhaled in respiration [brɛθ]

"I'll be

• I'll: contraction of 'I will' [aɪl]
• be: to exist or occur [bi]

judge, I'll

• judge: a public official appointed to decide cases in a law court [ʤəʤ]
• I'll: contraction of 'I will' [aɪl]

be jury,"

• be: to exist or occur [bi]
• jury: a body of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case on the basis of evidence submitted to them [ˈʤʊri]

Said

• Said: past tense of 'say', indicating that someone spoke [sɛd]

cunning

• cunning: skillful in deceiving; sly [ˈkənɪŋ]

old Fury:

• old: having lived for a long time; not young [oʊld]
• Fury: intense anger; also, potentially a name in this context [fˈjʊri]

"I'll

• I'll: contraction of 'I will', indicating a future action [aɪl]

try the

• try: to make an attempt or effort to do something [traɪ]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]

whole

• whole: complete; entire [hoʊl]

cause,

• cause: a reason for an action or condition; a legal case [kɔz]

and

• and: conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]

condemn

• condemn: to express strong disapproval of; to sentence someone to a punishment [kənˈdɛm]

you

• you: the person being addressed [ju]

to

• to: preposition indicating direction or purpose [tɪ]

death."'

• death: the end of life [dɛθ]

'You are not attending!' said the Mouse to Alice severely. 'What are you thinking of?'

• You: referring to the person being spoken to [ju]
• are: present tense of the verb 'to be' [ər]
• not: used to negate a statement [nɑt]
• attending: paying attention; being present in mind [əˈtɛndɪŋ]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating that someone spoke [sɛd]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]
• Mouse: a small rodent [maʊs]
• to: preposition indicating direction [tɪ]
• Alice: a proper noun, a name [ˈælɪs]
• severely: in a strict or harsh manner [səˈvɪrli]
• What: interrogative pronoun, asking about something [wət]
• are: present tense of the verb 'to be' [ər]
• you: referring to the person being spoken to [ju]
• thinking: using one's mind to consider or reason about something [ˈθɪŋkɪŋ]
• of: preposition indicating relationship or association [əv]

'I beg your pardon,' said Alice very humbly: 'you had got to the fifth bend, I think?'

• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• beg: to ask earnestly or humbly [bɛg]
• your: possessive pronoun, referring to the person being spoken to [jʊr]
• pardon: forgiveness for an offense or mistake [ˈpɑrdən]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating that someone spoke [sɛd]
• Alice: a proper noun, a name [ˈælɪs]
• very: to a great degree; extremely [ˈvɛri]
• humbly: in a modest or respectful manner [ˈhəmbli]
• you: referring to the person being spoken to [ju]
• had: past perfect tense auxiliary verb [hæd]
• got: past participle of 'get', meaning to reach or arrive at [gɑt]
• to: preposition indicating direction [tɪ]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]
• fifth: ordinal number, indicating position in a sequence [fɪθ]
• bend: a curve or turn [bɛnd]
• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• think: to have an opinion or belief [θɪŋk]

'I had NOT!' cried the Mouse, sharply and very angrily.

• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• had: past tense of 'have' [hæd]
• NOT: used to negate a statement [nɑt]
• cried: past tense of 'cry', meaning to exclaim loudly [kraɪd]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]
• Mouse: a small rodent [maʊs]
• sharply: in a sudden and forceful manner [ˈʃɑrpli]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• very: to a great degree; extremely [ˈvɛri]
• angrily: in a manner showing anger [ˈæŋgrəli]

'A knot!' said Alice, always ready to make herself useful, and looking anxiously about her. 'Oh, do let me help to undo it!'

• A: indefinite article, referring to one of something [ə]
• knot: a fastening made by tying a rope or string [nɑt]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating that someone spoke [sɛd]
• Alice: a proper noun, a name [ˈælɪs]
• always: at all times; on every occasion [ˈɔlˌweɪz]
• ready: prepared or willing to do something [ˈrɛdi]
• to: preposition indicating purpose [tɪ]
• make: to cause something to exist or happen [meɪk]
• herself: reflexive pronoun, referring back to Alice [hərˈsɛlf]
• useful: able to be used for a practical purpose or in several ways [ˈjusfəl]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• looking: using one's eyes to see [ˈlʊkɪŋ]
• anxiously: in a worried or nervous way [ˈæŋkʃəsli]
• about: preposition indicating location or direction [əˈbaʊt]
• her: possessive pronoun, referring to Alice [hər]
• Oh: exclamation expressing surprise or entreaty [oʊ]
• do: auxiliary verb used for emphasis or to form questions [du]
• let: to allow or permit [lɛt]
• me: first-person singular object pronoun [mi]
• help: to assist someone [hɛlp]
• to: preposition indicating purpose [tɪ]
• undo: to unfasten or untie [ənˈdu]
• it: pronoun referring to the knot [ɪt]