'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(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]). I needn't(contraction of 'I need not', meaning 'I do not need to' [aɪ ˈnidənt]) be afraid(to feel fear or apprehension [bi əˈfreɪd]) of them(referring to the pack of cards; the exclamation point indicates a realization or a change in feeling. [əv ðɛm])!'
'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(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(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])! Off(an incomplete repetition of the command, possibly interrupted [ɔf-])—'
'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(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(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(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(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(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(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(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(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(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]).