Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 34

'Your hair wants cutting,' said the Hatter.

• Your hair: Referring to the hair of the person being addressed. [jʊr hɛr]
• wants cutting: Needs to be cut. [wɔnts ˈkətɪŋ]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words. [sɛd]
• the Hatter: Referring to the Hatter, the speaker of the sentence. [ðə ˈhætər]

He had been looking at Alice for some time with great curiosity, and this was his first speech.

• He had been looking: He was observing. [hi hæd bɪn ˈlʊkɪŋ]
• at Alice: Directing his gaze towards Alice. [æt ˈælɪs]
• for some time: For a certain duration. [fər səm taɪm]
• with great curiosity: With a strong desire to know or learn something. [wɪθ greɪt ˌkjʊriˈɑsəti]
• and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
• this was his first speech: This was the first time he spoke. [ðɪs wɑz hɪz fərst spiʧ]

'You should learn not to make personal remarks,' Alice said with some severity; 'it's very rude.'

• You should learn: expressing advice or suggestion to acquire knowledge or skill [ju ʃʊd lərn]
• not to make: to avoid doing something [nɑt tɪ meɪk]
• personal remarks: comments or statements that are critical or offensive about someone's character or appearance [ˈpərsɪnəl rɪˈmɑrks]
• Alice said: dialogue attribution [ ˈælɪs sɛd]
• with some severity: with a degree of seriousness or strictness [wɪθ səm sɪˈvɛrɪti]
• it's: contraction of 'it is', referring to the act of making personal remarks [ ɪts]
• very rude: extremely impolite or offensive [ˈvɛri rud]

The Hatter opened his eyes very wide on hearing this; but all he SAID was, 'Why is a raven like a writing-desk?'

• The Hatter opened: The character known as the Hatter performed the action of opening [ðə ˈhætər ˈoʊpənd]
• his eyes: referring to the Hatter's eyes [hɪz aɪz]
• very wide: to a great extent; fully [ˈvɛri waɪd]
• on hearing this: upon listening to the statement [ɔn ˈhirɪŋ ðɪs]
• but: introduces a contrast [ bət]
• all he SAID: everything that he uttered [ɔl hi sɛd]
• is a raven: referring to a type of bird, a raven [ɪz ə ˈreɪvən]
• like a writing-desk: posing a riddle comparing a raven to a writing-desk [laɪk ə writing-desk]

'Come, we shall have some fun now!' thought Alice. 'I'm glad they've begun asking riddles.—I believe I can guess that,' she added aloud.

• Come: an expression of encouragement or invitation [kəm]
• we shall have: we will experience or enjoy [ wi ʃæl hæv]
• some fun: enjoyment or amusement [səm fən]
• now: at the present time [naʊ]
• thought Alice: Alice's internal thought [θɔt ˈælɪs]
• I'm glad: contraction of 'I am glad', expressing happiness [əm glæd]
• they've begun: contraction of 'they have begun', indicating the start of an action [ðeɪv ˈbeɪgən]
• asking riddles: posing questions that require ingenuity to answer [ˈæskɪŋ ˈrɪdəlz]
• I believe: expressing a personal opinion or thought [-aɪ bɪˈliv]
• I can guess: expressing confidence in being able to find the answer [aɪ kən gɛs]
• that: referring to the riddle [ðət]
• she added: she supplemented her previous statement [ʃi ˈædɪd]
• aloud: in a voice that can be heard [əˈlaʊd]

'Do you mean that you think you can find out the answer to it?' said the March Hare.

• Do you mean: are you implying [du ju min]
• that you think: that you believe [ðət ju θɪŋk]
• you can find out: you are able to discover [ju kən faɪnd aʊt]
• the answer: the correct solution [ðə ˈænsər]
• to it: referring to the riddle [tɪ ɪt]
• said the March Hare: dialogue attribution [sɛd ðə mɑrʧ hɛr]

'Exactly so,' said Alice.

• Exactly so: precisely; that is correct [ɪgˈzæktli soʊ]
• said Alice: dialogue attribution [sɛd ˈælɪs]

'Then you should say what you mean,' the March Hare went on.

• Then you should say: expressing advice or suggestion to articulate [ðɛn ju ʃʊd seɪ]
• what you mean: the intended message or thought [wət ju min]
• the March Hare: character in the story [ðə mɑrʧ hɛr]
• went on: continued speaking [wɛnt ɔn]

'I do,' Alice hastily replied; 'at least—at least I mean what I say—that's the same thing, you know.'

• I do: Indicates agreement or affirmation. In this context, it's Alice agreeing to something. [aɪ du]
• Alice: A proper noun, the name of the character speaking. [ˈælɪs]
• hastily: Done with speed or urgency. [ˈheɪstəli]
• replied: Answered; said in response. [rɪˈplaɪd]
• at least—at least: Indicates a correction or clarification of what was previously said. [æt least-at list]
• I mean: Expressing intention or clarification. [aɪ min]
• what I say: The content of her speech. [wət aɪ seɪ]
• that's: Contraction of 'that is'. [ðæts]
• the same thing: Equivalent; identical in meaning or effect. [ðə seɪm θɪŋ]
• you know: A phrase used to seek agreement or understanding from the listener. [ju noʊ]

'Not the same thing a bit!' said the Hatter. 'You might just as well say that "I see what I eat" is the same thing as "I eat what I see"!'

• Not: Negation; indicating the opposite of what was stated. [nɑt]
• the same thing: Not equivalent; different in meaning or effect. [ðə seɪm θɪŋ]
• a bit: An emphatic expression indicating a significant difference. [ə bɪt]
• said: Spoke; uttered words. [sɛd]
• the Hatter: A proper noun, the name of the character speaking. [ðə ˈhætər]
• You: Referring to the person being addressed. [ju]
• might just as well: Suggests an action is equally valid or invalid as another. [maɪt ʤɪst ɛz wɛl]
• say: Utter words; express something verbally. [seɪ]
• that: Introducing a clause or statement. [ðət]
• I see what I eat: Expressing that one is aware of the food they consume. [aɪ si wət aɪ it]
• is: A linking verb. [ɪz]
• the same thing: Equivalent; identical in meaning or effect. [ðə seɪm θɪŋ]
• as: Used to make a comparison. [ɛz]
• I eat what I see: Expressing that one consumes whatever they observe. [aɪ it wət aɪ si]

'You might just as well say,' added the March Hare, 'that "I like what I get" is the same thing as "I get what I like"!'

• You: Referring to the person being addressed. [ju]
• might just as well: Suggests an action is equally valid or invalid as another. [maɪt ʤɪst ɛz wɛl]
• say: Utter words; express something verbally. [seɪ]
• added: Said in addition to what was previously stated. [ˈædɪd]
• the March Hare: A proper noun, the name of the character speaking. [ðə mɑrʧ hɛr]
• that: Introducing a clause or statement. [ðət]
• I like what I get: Expressing satisfaction with what one receives. [aɪ laɪk wət aɪ gɪt]
• is: A linking verb. [ɪz]
• the same thing: Equivalent; identical in meaning or effect. [ðə seɪm θɪŋ]
• as: Used to make a comparison. [ɛz]
• I get what I like: Expressing that one obtains whatever they desire. [aɪ gɪt wət aɪ laɪk]

'You might just as well say,' added the Dormouse, who seemed to be talking in his sleep, 'that "I breathe when I sleep" is the same thing as "I sleep when I breathe"!'

• You: Referring to the person being addressed. [ju]
• might just as well: Suggests an action is equally valid or invalid as another. [maɪt ʤɪst ɛz wɛl]
• say: Utter words; express something verbally. [seɪ]
• added: Said in addition to what was previously stated. [ˈædɪd]
• the Dormouse: A proper noun, the name of the character speaking. [ðə ˈdɔrˌmaʊs]
• who: Referring to the Dormouse. [hu]
• seemed: Appeared to be. [simd]
• to be talking: In the process of speaking. [tɪ bi ˈtɔkɪŋ]
• in his sleep: While asleep. [ɪn hɪz slip]
• that: Introducing a clause or statement. [ðət]
• I breathe when I sleep: Expressing that one inhales and exhales during sleep. [aɪ brið wɪn aɪ slip]
• is: A linking verb. [ɪz]
• the same thing: Equivalent; identical in meaning or effect. [ðə seɪm θɪŋ]
• as: Used to make a comparison. [ɛz]
• I sleep when I breathe: Expressing that one is in a state of slumber while inhaling and exhaling. [aɪ slip wɪn aɪ brið]

'It IS the same thing with you,' said the Hatter, and here the conversation dropped, and the party sat silent for a minute, while Alice thought over all she could remember about ravens and writing-desks, which wasn't much.

• It IS: Emphasized form of 'it is', used for emphasis or contradiction [ɪt ɪz]
• the same thing: identical or equivalent [ðə seɪm θɪŋ]
• with you: in your case; applying to you [wɪθ ju]
• said: reported speech; indicates who is speaking [ sɛd]
• the Hatter: a character in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' [ðə ˈhætər]
• and: connects the previous statement with the following one [ ənd]
• here: at this point; in this situation [hir]
• the conversation: the exchange of ideas or thoughts between people [ðə ˌkɑnvərˈseɪʃən]
• dropped: ceased; stopped [drɑpt]
• and: connects the previous clause with the following one [ ənd]
• the party: a group of people gathered together [ðə ˈpɑrti]
• sat silent: remained quiet; did not speak [sæt ˈsaɪlənt]
• for a minute: for a short period of time [fər ə ˈmɪnət]
• while: during the time that; as [ waɪl]
• Alice: the main character in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' [ˈælɪs]
• thought over: considered; reflected on [θɔt ˈoʊvər]
• all: everything [ɔl]
• she could remember: what she was able to recall [ʃi kʊd rɪˈmɛmbər]
• about: concerning; regarding [əˈbaʊt]
• ravens: large black birds [ˈreɪvənz]
• and: connects two related items [ənd]
• writing-desks: desks used for writing [writing-desks]
• which: refers back to the ravens and writing-desks [ wɪʧ]
• wasn't much: was not a great amount; was limited [ˈwəzənt məʧ]

The Hatter was the first to break the silence. 'What day of the month is it?' he said, turning to Alice: he had taken his watch out of his pocket, and was looking at it uneasily, shaking it every now and then, and holding it to his ear.

• The Hatter: a character in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' [ðə ˈhætər]
• was: past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]
• the first: the one who initiated the action [ðə fərst]
• to break: to interrupt or end [tɪ breɪk]
• the silence: the state of being quiet [ðə ˈsaɪləns]
• What: introduces a question [ wət]
• day: a specific date [deɪ]
• of the month: within the current month [əv ðə mənθ]
• is it: refers to the current date [ɪz ɪt]
• he said: reported speech; indicates who is speaking [ hi sɛd]
• turning: changing direction to face someone [ ˈtərnɪŋ]
• to Alice: towards Alice [tɪ ˈælɪs]
• he: introduces an explanation or additional information [ hi]
• had taken: past perfect tense of 'to take' [hæd ˈteɪkən]
• his watch: a timepiece worn on the wrist or carried in a pocket [hɪz wɔʧ]
• out of: from within [aʊt əv]
• his pocket: a small bag sewn into a garment [hɪz ˈpɑkət]
• and: connects two actions [ ənd]
• was looking: past continuous tense of 'to look' [wɑz ˈlʊkɪŋ]
• at it: referring to the watch [æt ɪt]
• uneasily: in a worried or anxious manner [əˈnizəli]
• shaking: moving rapidly back and forth [ ˈʃeɪkɪŋ]
• it: referring to the watch [ɪt]
• every now and then: occasionally; from time to time [ˈɛvəri naʊ ənd ðɛn]
• and: connects two actions [ ənd]
• holding: grasping; keeping in one's hands [ˈhoʊldɪŋ]
• it: referring to the watch [ɪt]
• to his ear: close to his ear [tɪ hɪz ɪr]

Alice considered a little, and then said 'The fourth.'

• Alice: the main character in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' [ˈælɪs]
• considered: thought about; reflected on [kənˈsɪdərd]
• a little: for a short time; slightly [ə ˈlɪtəl]
• and: connects two actions [ ənd]
• then: after that; next [ðɛn]
• said: spoke; uttered words [sɛd]
• The fourth: the fourth day of the month [ðə fɔrθ]

'Two days wrong!' sighed the Hatter. 'I told you butter wouldn't suit the works!' he added looking angrily at the March Hare.

• Two days wrong: Expression indicating that something is incorrect by two days. The exclamation mark emphasizes the speaker's frustration or realization. [tu deɪz rɔŋ]
• sighed: To emit a long, deep audible breath expressing sadness, relief, tiredness, or a similar emotion. [saɪd]
• the Hatter: Referring to a character known as the Hatter, likely from a literary work. [ðə ˈhætər]
• I told you: Expressing a prior warning or statement. [aɪ toʊld ju]
• butter wouldn't suit: Butter would not be appropriate or function well. 'Wouldn't' is a contraction of 'would not'. [ˈbətər ˈwʊdənt sut]
• the works: Referring to the internal mechanisms of a device, implying that the butter caused a malfunction. The exclamation mark adds emphasis. [ðə wərks]
• he added: He included this statement. [hi ˈædɪd]
• looking angrily: Expressing anger through his gaze. [ˈlʊkɪŋ ˈæŋgrəli]
• at the March Hare: Directing his angry look towards the character known as the March Hare. [æt ðə mɑrʧ hɛr]

'It was the BEST butter,' the March Hare meekly replied.

• It was: Referring to a past event or state. Contraction of 'it was'. [ɪt wɑz]
• the BEST butter: Emphasizing that the butter was of the highest quality. The comma indicates a pause or continuation of the sentence. [ðə bɛst ˈbətər]
• the March Hare: Referring to a character known as the March Hare. [ðə mɑrʧ hɛr]
• meekly replied: Responding in a submissive or gentle manner. [ˈmikli rɪˈplaɪd]

'Yes, but some crumbs must have got in as well,' the Hatter grumbled: 'you shouldn't have put it in with the bread-knife.'

• Yes, but: Acknowledging a previous statement but introducing a contrasting point. [jɛs bət]
• some crumbs: Small fragments or pieces of something, typically food. [səm krəmz]
• must have got in: Implies that it is likely that crumbs entered something. [məst hæv gɑt ɪn]
• as well: Also; in addition to something else. The comma indicates a pause or continuation of the sentence. [ɛz wɛl]
• the Hatter: Referring to a character known as the Hatter. [ðə ˈhætər]
• grumbled: To complain or protest about something in a bad-tempered way. The colon introduces an explanation or further statement. [ˈgrəmbəld]
• you shouldn't have put: Advising against a past action. 'Shouldn't' is a contraction of 'should not'. [ju ˈʃʊdənt hæv pʊt]
• it in: Referring to the butter. [ɪt ɪn]
• with the bread-knife: Using a knife that is typically used for cutting bread. [wɪθ ðə bread-knife]

The March Hare took the watch and looked at it gloomily: then he dipped it into his cup of tea, and looked at it again: but he could think of nothing better to say than his first remark, 'It was the BEST butter, you know.'

• The March Hare: Referring to a character known as the March Hare. [ðə mɑrʧ hɛr]
• took the watch: Picked up or grabbed the timepiece. [tʊk ðə wɔʧ]
• and looked at it: Examined the watch. [ənd lʊkt æt ɪt]
• gloomily: In a sad or depressed manner. The colon introduces an explanation or further statement. [ˈgluməli]
• then he dipped it: Submerged the watch briefly. [ðɛn hi dɪpt ɪt]
• into his cup of tea: Into the container holding his tea. The comma indicates a pause or continuation of the sentence. [ˈɪntu hɪz kəp əv ti]
• and looked at it again: Examined the watch once more. The colon introduces an explanation or further statement. [ənd lʊkt æt ɪt əˈgɛn]
• but he could think of: However, he was unable to conceive or come up with. [bət hi kʊd θɪŋk əv]
• nothing better to say: No superior or more appropriate statement to make. [ˈnəθɪŋ ˈbɛtər tɪ seɪ]
• than his first remark: Compared to his initial statement. The comma indicates a pause or continuation of the sentence. [ðən hɪz fərst rɪˈmɑrk]
• It was: Referring to a past event or state. Contraction of 'it was'. [ɪt wɑz]
• the BEST butter: Emphasizing that the butter was of the highest quality. [ðə bɛst ˈbətər]
• you know: Used to seek agreement or understanding from the listener. [ju noʊ]