Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 25

As there seemed to be no chance of getting her hands up to her head, she tried to get her head down to them, and was delighted to find that her neck would bend about easily in any direction, like a serpent.

• As: Because or since [ɛz]
• there seemed: It appeared or gave the impression that [ðɛr simd]
• to be: To exist or occur [tɪ bi]
• no chance: No possibility or opportunity [noʊ ʧæns]
• of getting: Of obtaining or reaching [əv ˈgɪtɪŋ]
• her hands: Referring to the character's hands [hər hænz]
• up to: Towards or reaching a higher point [əp tɪ]
• her head: Referring to the character's head [hər hɛd]
• she tried: Past tense of 'try', indicating an attempt [ʃi traɪd]
• to get: To obtain or reach [tɪ gɪt]
• her head: Referring to the character's head [hər hɛd]
• down to: Towards or reaching a lower point [daʊn tɪ]
• them: Referring to her hands [ðɛm]
• and: Used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• was delighted: Very pleased or happy [wɑz dɪˈlaɪtɪd]
• to find: To discover or realize [tɪ faɪnd]
• that: Introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• her neck: Referring to the character's neck [hər nɛk]
• would bend: Was able to flex or curve [wʊd bɛnd]
• about: In various directions or locations [əˈbaʊt]
• easily: Without difficulty [ˈizəli]
• in any direction: In all possible directions [ɪn ˈɛni dɪˈrɛkʃɪn]
• like: Similar to or resembling [laɪk]
• a serpent: A snake or reptile [ə ˈsərpənt]

She had just succeeded in curving it down into a graceful zigzag, and was going to dive in among the leaves, which she found to be nothing but the tops of the trees under which she had been wandering, when a sharp hiss made her draw back in a hurry: a large pigeon had flown into her face, and was beating her violently with its wings.

• She: Referring to the character [ʃi]
• had just succeeded: Had recently managed to do something [hæd ʤɪst səkˈsidɪd]
• in curving: In bending or shaping into a curve [ɪn ˈkərvɪŋ]
• it: Referring to her neck [ɪt]
• down: Towards a lower position [daʊn]
• into: Moving to or changing into [ˈɪntu]
• a graceful zigzag: An elegant and angular pattern [ə ˈgreɪsfəl ˈzɪgzæg]
• and: Used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• was going: Was about to or intending to [wɑz goʊɪŋ]
• to dive: To plunge or immerse oneself [tɪ daɪv]
• in among: Into the middle of or surrounded by [ɪn əˈməŋ]
• the leaves: Referring to the leaves of plants or trees [ðə livz]
• which: Referring to the leaves [wɪʧ]
• she found: She discovered or realized [ʃi faʊnd]
• to be: To exist as [tɪ bi]
• nothing but: Only or merely [ˈnəθɪŋ bət]
• the tops: The highest parts [ðə tɑps]
• of the trees: Referring to the trees [əv ðə triz]
• under which: Beneath or below which [ˈəndər wɪʧ]
• she had been wandering: She had been moving around aimlessly [ʃi hæd bɪn ˈwɑndərɪŋ]
• when: At the time that [wɪn]
• a sharp hiss: A sudden and piercing sound [ə ʃɑrp hɪs]
• made: Caused or forced [meɪd]
• her: Referring to the character [hər]
• draw back: To move backwards or retreat [drɔ bæk]
• in a hurry: Quickly or hastily [ɪn ə ˈhəri]
• a large pigeon: A big bird of the pigeon family [ə lɑrʤ ˈpɪʤɪn]
• had flown: Had moved through the air [hæd floʊn]
• into: Moving to or impacting [ˈɪntu]
• her face: Referring to the character's face [hər feɪs]
• and: Used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• was beating: Was striking repeatedly [wɑz ˈbitɪŋ]
• her: Referring to the character [hər]
• violently: With great force or intensity [ˈvaɪələntli]
• with its wings: Using its wings to strike [wɪθ ɪts wɪŋz]

'Serpent!' screamed the Pigeon.

• Serpent: Exclamation referring to a snake or snake-like creature. The exclamation mark indicates strong emotion. [ˈsərpənt]
• screamed: To utter a loud, piercing cry, usually expressing strong emotion or pain. [skrimd]
• the Pigeon: Referring to a specific pigeon, likely a character in the story. The definite article 'the' implies it's a known entity. [ðə ˈpɪʤɪn]

'I'm NOT a serpent!' said Alice indignantly. 'Let me alone!'

• I'm: Contraction of 'I am'. [əm]
• NOT: Negation; indicating the opposite of what is being stated. [nɑt]
• a serpent: Referring to a snake or snake-like creature. The exclamation mark indicates strong emotion. [ə ˈsərpənt]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating that Alice spoke. [sɛd]
• Alice: Name of the character speaking. [ˈælɪs]
• indignantly: Expressing or feeling anger or annoyance at perceived unfair treatment. [ˌɪnˈdɪgnənˌtli]
• Let: Imperative verb, meaning to allow or permit. [lɛt]
• me: Pronoun referring to the speaker, Alice. [mi]
• alone: Without company or assistance; indicating a desire to be left in peace. The exclamation mark indicates strong emotion. [əˈloʊn]

'Serpent, I say again!' repeated the Pigeon, but in a more subdued tone, and added with a kind of sob, 'I've tried every way, and nothing seems to suit them!'

• Serpent: Referring to a snake or snake-like creature. [ˈsərpənt]
• I: Pronoun referring to the speaker, the Pigeon. [aɪ]
• say: To utter words; to express something verbally. [seɪ]
• again: One more time; repeating a statement. The exclamation mark indicates strong emotion. [əˈgɛn]
• repeated: Past tense of 'repeat', meaning to say something again. [rɪˈpitɪd]
• the Pigeon: Referring to a specific pigeon, likely a character in the story. The definite article 'the' implies it's a known entity. [ðə ˈpɪʤɪn]
• but: Conjunction indicating a contrast or change in direction. [bət]
• in a more subdued tone: Speaking in a quieter and less intense manner. [ɪn ə mɔr səbˈdud toʊn]
• and: Conjunction connecting two clauses or phrases. [ənd]
• added: Past tense of 'add', meaning to say something more. [ˈædɪd]
• with: Preposition indicating accompaniment or manner. [wɪθ]
• a kind of sob: A convulsive catching of breath, typically associated with crying. [ə kaɪnd əv sɑb]
• I've: Contraction of 'I have'. [aɪv]
• tried: Past participle of 'try', meaning to make an attempt or effort. [traɪd]
• every: Adjective meaning all possible or each one without exception. [ˈɛvəri]
• way: A method or manner of doing something. [weɪ]
• and: Conjunction connecting two clauses or phrases. [ənd]
• nothing: No thing; not anything. [ˈnəθɪŋ]
• seems: Appears to be; gives the impression of being. [simz]
• to suit: To be acceptable or satisfactory to. [tɪ sut]
• them: Referring to a group of people or things. The exclamation mark indicates strong emotion. [ðɛm]

'I haven't the least idea what you're talking about,' said Alice.

• I: Pronoun referring to the speaker, Alice. [aɪ]
• haven't: Contraction of 'have not'. [ˈhævənt]
• the least idea: No understanding or knowledge whatsoever. [ðə list aɪˈdiə]
• what: Pronoun used to ask for information specifying something. [wət]
• you're: Contraction of 'you are'. [jʊr]
• talking: Present participle of 'talk', meaning to speak. [ˈtɔkɪŋ]
• about: Concerning; regarding. [əˈbaʊt]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating that Alice spoke. [sɛd]
• Alice: Name of the character speaking. [ˈælɪs]

'I've tried the roots of trees, and I've tried banks, and I've tried hedges,' the Pigeon went on, without attending to her; 'but those serpents!

• I've: Contraction of 'I have'. [aɪv]
• tried: Past participle of 'try', meaning to make an attempt or effort. [traɪd]
• the roots of trees: The underground parts of trees. [ðə ruts əv triz]
• and: Conjunction connecting two clauses or phrases. [ənd]
• I've: Contraction of 'I have'. [aɪv]
• tried: Past participle of 'try', meaning to make an attempt or effort. [traɪd]
• banks: Sloping land, especially along a river or lake. [bæŋks]
• and: Conjunction connecting two clauses or phrases. [ənd]
• I've: Contraction of 'I have'. [aɪv]
• tried: Past participle of 'try', meaning to make an attempt or effort. [traɪd]
• hedges: A fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs. [ˈhɛʤɪz]
• the Pigeon: Referring to a specific pigeon, likely a character in the story. The definite article 'the' implies it's a known entity. [ðə ˈpɪʤɪn]
• went on: Continued speaking. [wɛnt ɔn]
• without: Preposition meaning not having or doing something. [wɪˈθaʊt]
• attending to: Paying attention to; listening to. [əˈtɛndɪŋ tɪ]
• her: Pronoun referring to Alice. [hər]
• but: Conjunction indicating a contrast or change in direction. [bət]
• those: Plural demonstrative pronoun, referring to specific serpents. [ðoʊz]
• serpents: Referring to snakes or snake-like creatures. The exclamation mark indicates strong emotion. [ˈsərpənts]

Alice was more and more puzzled, but she thought there was no use in saying anything more till the Pigeon had finished.

• Alice: Name of the character. [ˈælɪs]
• was: Past tense of 'be'. [wɑz]
• more and more: Increasingly; to a greater extent. [mɔr ənd mɔr]
• puzzled: Confused or bewildered. [ˈpəzəld]
• but: Conjunction indicating a contrast or change in direction. [bət]
• she: Pronoun referring to Alice. [ʃi]
• thought: Past tense of 'think', meaning to have an opinion or belief. [θɔt]
• there: Used to indicate the existence or presence of something. [ðɛr]
• was: Past tense of 'be'. [wɑz]
• no: Not any; none. [noʊ]
• use: The quality of being useful or beneficial. [juz]
• in: Preposition indicating location or state. [ɪn]
• saying: Present participle of 'say', meaning to utter words. [seɪɪŋ]
• anything: Any thing; something. [ˈɛniˌθɪŋ]
• more: A greater amount or degree. [mɔr]
• till: Until; up to the time that. [tɪl]
• the Pigeon: Referring to a specific pigeon, likely a character in the story. The definite article 'the' implies it's a known entity. [ðə ˈpɪʤɪn]
• had finished: Past perfect tense of 'finish', meaning to bring to an end. [hæd ˈfɪnɪʃt]

'As if it wasn't trouble enough hatching the eggs,' said the Pigeon; 'but I must be on the look-out for serpents night and day!

• As if: Expresses disbelief or sarcasm, implying the following statement is unlikely or untrue [ɛz ɪf]
• it wasn't trouble enough: Meaning the situation was already difficult or problematic [ɪt ˈwəzənt ˈtrəbəl ɪˈnəf]
• hatching the eggs: The process of baby birds emerging from their eggs [ˈhæʧɪŋ ðə ɛgz]
• said the Pigeon: Indicates that the Pigeon is speaking [ sɛd ðə ˈpɪʤɪn ]
• but I must be: Expresses obligation or necessity [bət aɪ məst bi]
• on the look-out: Vigilantly watching for something, being alert [ɔn ðə look-out]
• for serpents: Referring to snakes, often with a negative connotation [fər ˈsərpənts]
• night and day: Constantly, all the time [naɪt ənd deɪ]

'I'm very sorry you've been annoyed,' said Alice, who was beginning to see its meaning.

• I'm very sorry: Expresses regret or sympathy [əm ˈvɛri ˈsɑri]
• you've been annoyed: Indicates that the person being spoken to has been bothered or irritated [juv bɪn əˈnɔɪd]
• said Alice: Indicates that Alice is speaking [ sɛd ˈælɪs]
• who was beginning: Indicates the start of a process or realization [hu wɑz bɪˈgɪnɪŋ]
• to see its meaning: To understand the significance or implication of something. [tɪ si ɪts ˈminɪŋ]

'And just as I'd taken the highest tree in the wood,' continued the Pigeon, raising its voice to a shriek, 'and just as I was thinking I should be free of them at last, they must needs come wriggling down from the sky!

• And just as: Emphasizes the timing of an event [ənd ʤɪst ɛz]
• I'd taken: Contraction of 'I had taken', indicating a past action [aɪd ˈteɪkən]
• the highest tree: The tallest tree in the area [ðə haɪəst tri]
• in the wood: In the forest or wooded area [ɪn ðə wʊd]
• continued the Pigeon: Indicates that the Pigeon is still speaking [ kənˈtɪnjud ðə ˈpɪʤɪn]
• raising its voice: Speaking louder [ˈreɪzɪŋ ɪts vɔɪs]
• to a shriek: To a high-pitched scream [tɪ ə ʃrik]
• and just as: Emphasizes the timing of an event [ənd ʤɪst ɛz]
• I was thinking: In the process of considering [aɪ wɑz ˈθɪŋkɪŋ]
• I should be free: Anticipating being rid of something [aɪ ʃʊd bi fri]
• of them: Referring to something previously mentioned, likely the serpents [əv ðɛm]
• at last: Finally, after a long time [æt læst]
• they must needs: They were compelled to [ ðeɪ məst nidz]
• come wriggling down: Moving by twisting and turning the body [kəm wriggling daʊn]
• from the sky: From above, from the heavens [frəm ðə skaɪ]

'But I'm NOT a serpent, I tell you!' said Alice. 'I'm a—I'm a—'

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• I'm: contraction of 'I am' [əm]
• NOT: used to negate or deny something [nɑt]
• a serpent: a snake, especially a large or dangerous one [ə ˈsərpənt]
• I tell you: used to emphasize the truth of what one is saying [aɪ tɛl ju]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]
• Alice: the name of the character speaking [ˈælɪs]
• I'm: contraction of 'I am' [əm]
• a—I'm: stammering or hesitating while speaking [a-im]
• a: stammering or hesitating while speaking [ə-]

'Well!

• Well: an expression of surprise, interest, or mild annoyance [wɛl]

'I—I'm a little girl,' said Alice, rather doubtfully, as she remembered the number of changes she had gone through that day.

• I—I'm: stammering or hesitating while speaking; contraction of 'I am' [i-im]
• a little girl: a young female child [ə ˈlɪtəl gərl]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]
• Alice: the name of the character speaking [ˈælɪs]
• rather doubtfully: with a degree of uncertainty or hesitation [ˈrəðər doubtfully]
• as: because; since [ɛz]
• she remembered: she recalled or brought to mind [ʃi rɪˈmɛmbərd]
• the number of changes: the amount of transformations or alterations [ðə ˈnəmbər əv ˈʧeɪnʤɪz]
• she had gone through: she had experienced or undergone [ʃi hæd gɔn θru]
• that day: the specific day being referred to [ðət deɪ]

'A likely story indeed!' said the Pigeon in a tone of the deepest contempt. 'I've seen a good many little girls in my time, but never ONE with such a neck as that!

• A likely story: an unbelievable or improbable account [ə ˈlaɪkli ˈstɔri]
• indeed: used to express irony or disbelief [ˌɪnˈdid]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]
• the Pigeon: the name or description of the character speaking [ðə ˈpɪʤɪn]
• in a tone: the manner or style of speaking [ɪn ə toʊn]
• of the deepest contempt: expressing a strong feeling of disapproval or disdain [əv ðə ˈdipəst kənˈtɛmpt]
• I've: contraction of 'I have' [aɪv]
• seen: past participle of 'see', meaning to have perceived with the eyes [sin]
• a good many: a large number of [ə gʊd ˈmɛni]
• little girls: young female children [ˈlɪtəl gərlz]
• in my time: during the speaker's lifetime or experience [ɪn maɪ taɪm]
• but: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• never ONE: not even a single person [ˈnɛvər wən]
• with such a neck: having a neck of that particular kind or quality [wɪθ səʧ ə nɛk]
• as that: to the extent or degree mentioned; expressing surprise or disbelief [ɛz ðət]

No, no!

• No, no: expressing strong disagreement or denial [noʊ noʊ]

You're a serpent; and there's no use denying it.

• You're: contraction of 'you are' [jʊr]
• a serpent: a snake, especially a large or dangerous one [ə ˈsərpənt]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• there's: contraction of 'there is' [ðɛrz]
• no use: not beneficial or helpful [noʊ juz]
• denying it: refusing to admit the truth of something [dɪˈnaɪɪŋ ɪt]