Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 41

'Idiot!' said the Queen, tossing her head impatiently; and, turning to Alice, she went on, 'What's your name, child?'

• Idiot: An exclamation expressing strong disapproval or frustration, implying someone is foolish or unintelligent. The exclamation point emphasizes the strong emotion. [ˈɪˌdiət]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Queen: referring to a female monarch, the ruler of the kingdom [ðə kwin]
• tossing: a quick, abrupt movement, usually of the head [ˈtɔsɪŋ]
• her head: referring to the Queen's head [hər hɛd]
• impatiently: showing a lack of patience; indicating the Queen is annoyed or restless [ˌɪmˈpeɪʃəntli]
• and: a conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• turning: changing direction [ˈtərnɪŋ]
• to Alice: indicating the person the Queen is turning towards [tɪ ˈælɪs]
• she went on: she continued speaking [ʃi wɛnt ɔn]
• What's: contraction of 'what is' [wəts]
• your name: requesting the identity of the person being addressed [jʊr neɪm]
• child: addressing Alice as a child; the question mark indicates a question. [ʧaɪld]

'My name is Alice, so please your Majesty,' said Alice very politely; but she added, to herself, 'Why, they're only a pack of cards, after all.

• My name: stating one's identity [maɪ neɪm]
• is Alice: identifying herself as Alice [ɪz ˈælɪs]
• so please: a polite expression of respect or deference [soʊ pliz]
• your Majesty: a formal title used when addressing a monarch [jʊr ˈmæʤəsti]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• Alice: the name of the speaker [ˈælɪs]
• very politely: in a very courteous and respectful manner [ˈvɛri pəˈlaɪtli]
• but: a conjunction used to introduce a contrasting statement [bət]
• she added: she said something more [ʃi ˈædɪd]
• to herself: speaking quietly, so only she can hear [tɪ hərˈsɛlf]
• Why: an expression of surprise or mild astonishment [waɪ]
• they're: contraction of 'they are' [ðɛr]
• only: merely; just [ˈoʊnli]
• a pack of cards: a set of playing cards [ə pæk əv kɑrdz]
• after all: considering everything; in the final analysis [ˈæftər ɔl]

'And who are THESE?' said the Queen, pointing to the three gardeners who were lying round the rosetree; for, you see, as they were lying on their faces, and the pattern on their backs was the same as the rest of the pack, she could not tell whether they were gardeners, or soldiers, or courtiers, or three of her own children.

• And: used to introduce a further question or statement [ənd]
• who: asking for the identity of someone [hu]
• are: form of the verb 'to be', indicating existence or identity [ər]
• THESE: referring to a group of people; the capitalization emphasizes the question; the question mark indicates a question. [ðiz]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Queen: referring to a female monarch, the ruler of the kingdom [ðə kwin]
• pointing: indicating something with a finger or other object [ˈpɔɪntɪŋ]
• to: preposition indicating direction [tɪ]
• the three gardeners: referring to three people who tend a garden [ðə θri ˈgɑrdənərz]
• who: relative pronoun referring to the gardeners [hu]
• were lying: in a horizontal position [wər laɪɪŋ]
• round: around; surrounding [raʊnd]
• the rosetree: a rose bush or tree [ðə rosetree]
• for: because; since [fər]
• you see: an expression used to explain something [ju si]
• as: because; since [ɛz]
• they were lying: in a horizontal position [ðeɪ wər laɪɪŋ]
• on their faces: lying with their faces down [ɔn ðɛr ˈfeɪsɪz]
• and: a conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• the pattern: a decorative design [ðə ˈpætərn]
• on their backs: on the rear part of their bodies [ɔn ðɛr bæks]
• was: past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]
• the same: identical [ðə seɪm]
• as: similar to [ɛz]
• the rest: the remaining part [ðə rɛst]
• of the pack: referring to a set of playing cards [əv ðə pæk]
• she could not: she was unable to [ʃi kʊd nɑt]
• tell: distinguish; discern [tɛl]
• whether: expressing a doubt or choice between alternatives [ˈwɛðər]
• they were: referring to the three gardeners [ðeɪ wər]
• gardeners: people who tend a garden [ˈgɑrdənərz]
• or: used to introduce an alternative [ər]
• soldiers: members of an army [ˈsoʊlʤərz]
• or: used to introduce an alternative [ər]
• courtiers: people who attend a royal court [ˈkɔrtiərz]
• or: used to introduce an alternative [ər]
• three: the number 3 [θri]
• of her own children: referring to the Queen's own offspring. [əv hər oʊn ˈʧɪldrən]

'How should I know?' said Alice, surprised at her own courage. 'It's no business of MINE.'

• How should I know: A rhetorical question expressing the speaker's lack of knowledge or understanding about something. [haʊ ʃʊd aɪ noʊ]
• said: past tense of 'say', used to indicate who is speaking [sɛd]
• Alice: the name of the character speaking [ˈælɪs]
• surprised: feeling or showing surprise because of something unexpected [səˈpraɪzd]
• at her own courage: referring to Alice's surprise at her own bravery or boldness [æt hər oʊn kərɪʤ]
• It's: contraction of 'it is', referring to the matter at hand [ɪts]
• no business: not someone's concern or responsibility [noʊ ˈbɪznɪs]
• of MINE: belonging to me; emphasizing that the matter is not Alice's concern [əv maɪn]

The Queen turned crimson with fury, and, after glaring at her for a moment like a wild beast, screamed 'Off with her head!

• The Queen: A female monarch; in this context, a character in the story. [ðə kwin]
• turned crimson: became deep red in the face, usually indicating strong emotion, such as anger or embarrassment [tərnd ˈkrɪmzən]
• with fury: filled with intense anger [wɪθ fˈjʊri]
• and: conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• after glaring: staring in an angry or fierce way [ˈæftər ˈglɛrɪŋ]
• at her: referring to Alice [æt hər]
• for a moment: a short period of time [fər ə ˈmoʊmənt]
• like a wild beast: comparing the Queen's behavior to that of an untamed animal, suggesting ferocity [laɪk ə waɪld bist]
• screamed: shouted loudly and piercingly, often indicating extreme emotion [skrimd]
• Off with her head: an exclamation demanding the immediate beheading of someone [ɔf wɪθ hər hɛd]

'Nonsense!' said Alice, very loudly and decidedly, and the Queen was silent.

• Nonsense: An exclamation expressing strong disagreement or disbelief. [ˈnɑnsɛns]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• Alice: the name of the character speaking [ˈælɪs]
• very loudly: speaking at a high volume [ˈvɛri ˈlaʊdli]
• and: conjunction used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• decidedly: in a clear and definite manner, showing conviction [ˌdɪˈsaɪdədli]
• and: conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• the Queen: A female monarch; in this context, a character in the story. [ðə kwin]
• was silent: stopped speaking; became quiet. [wɑz ˈsaɪlənt]

The King laid his hand upon her arm, and timidly said 'Consider, my dear: she is only a child!'

• The King: A male monarch; in this context, a character in the story. [ðə kɪŋ]
• laid: past tense of 'lay', meaning to gently place something down [leɪd]
• his hand: referring to the King's hand [hɪz hænd]
• upon her arm: placing his hand on Alice's arm [əˈpɑn hər ɑrm]
• and: conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• timidly: in a shy or hesitant manner [ˈtɪmədli]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• Consider: think carefully about something, typically before making a decision [kənˈsɪdər]
• my dear: a term of endearment [maɪ dɪr]
• she is: referring to Alice [ʃi ɪz]
• only a child: emphasizing Alice's young age, suggesting she should be treated with leniency [ˈoʊnli ə ʧaɪld]

The Queen turned angrily away from him, and said to the Knave 'Turn them over!'

• The Queen: A female monarch; in this context, a character in the story. [ðə kwin]
• turned: moved her body or face in a particular direction [tərnd]
• angrily: in a manner showing anger [ˈæŋgrəli]
• away: to a different direction or place [əˈweɪ]
• from him: away from the King [frəm ɪm]
• and: conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• to the Knave: addressing the Knave, a character in the story [tɪ ðə neɪv]
• Turn them over: an instruction to flip something over, likely referring to a deck of cards or some other object [tərn ðɛm ˈoʊvər]

The Knave did so, very carefully, with one foot.

• The Knave: A dishonest or unscrupulous man; in this context, a character in the story. [ðə neɪv]
• did so: performed the action requested, i.e., turned them over [dɪd soʊ]
• very carefully: with great attention and caution [ˈvɛri ˈkɛrfəli]
• with one foot: using only one foot to perform the action, possibly indicating a lack of seriousness or respect [wɪθ wən fʊt]

'Get up!' said the Queen, in a shrill, loud voice, and the three gardeners instantly jumped up, and began bowing to the King, the Queen, the royal children, and everybody else.

• Get up: An imperative phrase meaning to rise from a lying or sitting position. [gɪt əp]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'say', indicating who spoke the following words. [sɛd]
• the Queen: Referring to the female monarch. [ðə kwin]
• in a shrill, loud voice: Describing the quality of the Queen's voice as high-pitched and noisy. [ɪn ə ʃrɪl laʊd vɔɪs]
• and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
• the three gardeners: Referring to a group of three people who work in a garden. [ðə θri ˈgɑrdənərz]
• instantly: Immediately; without delay. [ˈɪnstəntli]
• jumped up: Rose quickly from a sitting or lying position. [ʤəmpt əp]
• and: A conjunction connecting two actions. [ənd]
• began: Started to do something. [bɪˈgæn]
• bowing: Bending the head or body as a sign of respect. [boʊɪŋ]
• to the King: Showing respect to the male monarch. [tɪ ðə kɪŋ]
• the Queen: Showing respect to the female monarch. [ðə kwin]
• the royal children: Showing respect to the children of the monarchs. [ðə rɔɪəl ˈʧɪldrən]
• and: A conjunction connecting a list of people. [ənd]
• everybody else: All the other people present. [ˈɛvriˌbɑdi ɛls]

'Leave off that!' screamed the Queen. 'You make me giddy.' And then, turning to the rose-tree, she went on, 'What HAVE you been doing here?'

• Leave off that: An imperative phrase meaning to stop doing something. [liv ɔf ðət]
• screamed: Shouted in a high-pitched, piercing voice. [skrimd]
• the Queen: Referring to the female monarch. [ðə kwin]
• You make me giddy: The Queen is saying that someone or something is causing her to feel dizzy or unsteady. [ju meɪk mi ˈgɪdi]
• And then: A phrase used to introduce the next action or event. [ənd ðɛn]
• turning: Changing direction. [ˈtərnɪŋ]
• to the rose-tree: Indicating the direction of the turn, towards a tree with roses. [tɪ ðə rose-tree]
• she went on: She continued speaking. [ʃi wɛnt ɔn]
• What HAVE you been doing here: An inquiry about the actions performed in a specific location, with emphasis on the completion of the action. [wət hæv ju bɪn duɪŋ hir]

'May it please your Majesty,' said Two, in a very humble tone, going down on one knee as he spoke, 'we were trying—'

• May it please your Majesty: A formal expression of respect and deference to a monarch. [meɪ ɪt pliz jʊr ˈmæʤəsti]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'say', indicating who spoke the following words. [sɛd]
• Two: Referring to a character named Two. [tu]
• in a very humble tone: Speaking in a modest and respectful manner. [ɪn ə ˈvɛri ˈhəmbəl toʊn]
• going down: Lowering oneself. [goʊɪŋ daʊn]
• on one knee: A gesture of submission or respect. [ɔn wən ni]
• as he spoke: While he was talking. [ɛz hi spoʊk]
• we were trying: Indicating an attempt to do something, but the sentence is unfinished. [wi wər traɪɪŋ-]

'I see!' said the Queen, who had meanwhile been examining the roses. 'Off with their heads!' and the procession moved on, three of the soldiers remaining behind to execute the unfortunate gardeners, who ran to Alice for protection.

• I see: An expression indicating understanding or realization. [aɪ si]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'say', indicating who spoke the following words. [sɛd]
• the Queen: Referring to the female monarch. [ðə kwin]
• who had meanwhile been examining: Referring to the Queen, who in the intervening time was inspecting something carefully. [hu hæd ˈminˌwaɪl bɪn ɪgˈzæmɪnɪŋ]
• the roses: Referring to specific flowers. [ðə ˈroʊzɪz]
• Off with their heads: An exclamation ordering the beheading of someone. [ɔf wɪθ ðɛr hɛdz]
• and: A conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
• the procession: A group of people moving forward in an orderly fashion. [ðə prəˈsɛʃən]
• moved on: Continued moving forward. [muvd ɔn]
• three of the soldiers: A subset of the military personnel. [θri əv ðə ˈsoʊlʤərz]
• remaining behind: Staying in the same location while others leave. [rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ bɪˈhaɪnd]
• to execute: To carry out a death sentence. [tɪ ˈɛksəˌkjut]
• the unfortunate gardeners: Referring to the gardeners who are in an unlucky situation. [ðə ənˈfɔrʧənət ˈgɑrdənərz]
• who ran: Moved quickly by foot. [hu ræn]
• to Alice: Indicating the destination of the run, towards a character named Alice. [tɪ ˈælɪs]
• for protection: Seeking safety or defense. [fər prəˈtɛkʃən]

'You shan't be beheaded!' said Alice, and she put them into a large flower-pot that stood near.

• You shan't be beheaded: A somewhat archaic way of saying "You will not be beheaded!". 'Shan't' is a contraction of 'shall not', indicating a strong future negation. 'Beheaded' means to have one's head cut off. [ju shant bi bɪˈhɛdɪd]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• Alice: the name of the character speaking [ˈælɪs]
• and: a conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• she: pronoun referring to Alice [ʃi]
• put: past tense of 'put', meaning to place something somewhere [pʊt]
• them: pronoun referring to the soldiers [ðɛm]
• into: preposition indicating placement inside something [ˈɪntu]
• a large flower-pot: a big container for growing flowers [ə lɑrʤ flower-pot]
• that: relative pronoun referring to the flower-pot [ðət]
• stood: past tense of 'stand', meaning to be located in an upright position [stʊd]
• near: adverb meaning close by [nɪr]

The three soldiers wandered about for a minute or two, looking for them, and then quietly marched off after the others.

• The: definite article, referring to specific soldiers [ðə]
• three soldiers: three members of the military [θri ˈsoʊlʤərz]
• wandered about: moved around aimlessly [ˈwɑndərd əˈbaʊt]
• for: preposition indicating duration [fər]
• a minute or two: a short period of time, approximately one or two minutes [ə ˈmɪnət ər tu]
• looking: present participle of 'look', meaning searching [ˈlʊkɪŋ]
• for them: searching for the soldiers [fər ðɛm]
• and: conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• then: adverb indicating sequence [ðɛn]
• quietly: adverb meaning silently or calmly [kˈwaɪətli]
• marched off: walked away in a formal, orderly manner [mɑrʧt ɔf]
• after: preposition indicating following [ˈæftər]
• the others: referring to the rest of the group of soldiers [ðə ˈəðərz]