Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 44

'How do you like the Queen?' said the Cat in a low voice.

• How do you like the Queen: An inquiry about someone's opinion or impression of the Queen [haʊ du ju laɪk ðə kwin]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]
• the Cat: referring to a specific cat, likely a character in the story [ðə kæt]
• in a low voice: speaking quietly or softly [ɪn ə loʊ vɔɪs]

'Not at all,' said Alice: 'she's so extremely—' Just then she noticed that the Queen was close behind her, listening: so she went on, '—likely to win, that it's hardly worth while finishing the game.'

• Not at all: expressing complete disagreement or dislike [nɑt æt ɔl]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]
• Alice: the name of the character speaking [ˈælɪs]
• she's: contraction of 'she is', referring to the Queen [ʃiz]
• so extremely: indicating a high degree of something, but the speaker is interrupted [soʊ ɪkˈstrimli-]
• Just then: at that precise moment [ʤɪst ðɛn]
• she: referring to Alice [ʃi]
• noticed: became aware of [ˈnoʊtɪst]
• that: introducing a clause [ðət]
• the Queen: referring to the Queen character [ðə kwin]
• was close behind her: was standing very near Alice, behind her [wɑz kloʊz bɪˈhaɪnd hər]
• listening: paying attention to what was being said [ˈlɪsənɪŋ]
• so: therefore, as a result [soʊ]
• she: referring to Alice [ʃi]
• went on: continued speaking [wɛnt ɔn]
• likely to win: having a high probability of winning [-ˈlaɪkli tɪ wɪn]
• that: to such an extent that [ðət]
• it's: contraction of 'it is', referring to the game or situation [ɪts]
• hardly worth while: not really worth the effort or time [ˈhɑrdli wərθ waɪl]
• finishing: completing [ˈfɪnɪʃɪŋ]
• the game: the specific game being played [ðə geɪm]

The Queen smiled and passed on.

• The Queen: referring to the Queen character [ðə kwin]
• smiled: expressed happiness or amusement with a smile [smaɪld]
• and: connecting two actions [ənd]
• passed on: moved forward or continued her journey [pæst ɔn]

'Who ARE you talking to?' said the King, going up to Alice, and looking at the Cat's head with great curiosity.

• Who ARE you talking to: A question asking who someone is speaking with, with emphasis on 'ARE' [hu ər ju ˈtɔkɪŋ tɪ]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]
• the King: referring to the King character [ðə kɪŋ]
• going up: approaching someone [goʊɪŋ əp]
• to Alice: indicating the person being approached is Alice [tɪ ˈælɪs]
• and: connecting two actions [ənd]
• looking: observing [ˈlʊkɪŋ]
• at the Cat's head: specifically observing the head of the Cat [æt ðə kæts hɛd]
• with great curiosity: with a strong desire to know more [wɪθ greɪt ˌkjʊriˈɑsəti]

'It's a friend of mine—a Cheshire Cat,' said Alice: 'allow me to introduce it.'

• It's: contraction of 'it is' [ɪts]
• a friend: someone who is liked and trusted [ə frɛnd]
• of mine: belonging to me [əv maɪn]
• a Cheshire Cat: a specific type of cat, known for its grin [-ə ˈʧɛʃər kæt]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]
• Alice: the name of the character speaking [ˈælɪs]
• allow me: please permit me [əˈlaʊ mi]
• to introduce: to present someone to another person [tɪ ˌɪntrəˈdus]
• it: referring to the Cheshire Cat [ɪt]

'I don't like the look of it at all,' said the King: 'however, it may kiss my hand if it likes.'

• I don't like: expressing a dislike for something [aɪ doʊnt laɪk]
• the look: the appearance [ðə lʊk]
• of it: referring to something previously mentioned, likely the Cat [əv ɪt]
• at all: emphasizing the dislike [æt ɔl]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]
• the King: referring to the King character [ðə kɪŋ]
• however: nevertheless, despite that [ˌhaʊˈɛvər]
• it: referring to the Cat [ɪt]
• may: is allowed to [meɪ]
• kiss: touch with the lips as a sign of affection or respect [kɪs]
• my hand: the speaker's hand [maɪ hænd]
• if it likes: if the Cat wants to [ɪf ɪt laɪks]

'I'd rather not,' the Cat remarked.

• I'd: contraction of 'I would', expressing a preference [aɪd]
• rather not: indicating a preference not to do something [ˈrəðər nɑt]
• the Cat: referring to a specific cat, likely a character in a story [ðə kæt]

'Don't be impertinent,' said the King, 'and don't look at me like that!' He got behind Alice as he spoke.

• Don't: contraction of 'do not', used to give a negative command or instruction [doʊnt]
• be impertinent: do not be rude or disrespectful [bi ˌɪmˈpərtənənt]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the King: referring to the character of the King [ðə kɪŋ]
• and: used to connect two similar ideas or commands [ənd]
• don't: contraction of 'do not', used to give a negative command or instruction [doʊnt]
• look: to direct one's gaze [lʊk]
• at me: towards the speaker [æt mi]
• like that: in that manner; with that expression [laɪk ðət]
• He: referring to the King [hi]
• got behind: moved to a position behind someone [gɑt bɪˈhaɪnd]
• Alice: referring to the character of Alice [ˈælɪs]

'A cat may look at a king,' said Alice. 'I've read that in some book, but I don't remember where.'

• A cat: any cat; cats in general [ə kæt]
• may look: is allowed to look; has the right to look [meɪ lʊk]
• at a king: towards a king; even at someone of high status [æt ə kɪŋ]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• Alice: referring to the character of Alice [ˈælɪs]
• I've: contraction of 'I have' [aɪv]
• read: past participle of 'read', meaning to have read something [rɛd]
• that: referring to the saying or idea that a cat may look at a king [ðət]
• in some book: in a certain book, not specified [ɪn səm bʊk]
• but: used to introduce a contrasting statement [bət]
• I don't: contraction of 'I do not' [aɪ doʊnt]
• remember: recall; bring back to mind [rɪˈmɛmbər]

'Well, it must be removed,' said the King very decidedly, and he called the Queen, who was passing at the moment, 'My dear!

• Well: used to express mild surprise, agreement, or to introduce a statement [wɛl]
• it: referring to the cat [ɪt]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• be removed: taken away; gotten rid of [bi riˈmuvd]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the King: referring to the character of the King [ðə kɪŋ]
• very decidedly: in a firm and resolute manner [ˈvɛri ˌdɪˈsaɪdədli]
• and: used to connect two actions or statements [ənd]
• he: referring to the King [hi]
• called: summoned; addressed loudly [kɔld]
• the Queen: referring to the character of the Queen [ðə kwin]
• who: referring to the Queen [hu]
• was passing: was walking by [wɑz ˈpæsɪŋ]
• at the moment: at that specific time [æt ðə ˈmoʊmənt]
• My dear: a term of endearment [maɪ dɪr]

The Queen had only one way of settling all difficulties, great or small. 'Off with his head!' she said, without even looking round.

• The Queen: referring to the character of the Queen [ðə kwin]
• had: past tense of 'have', meaning possessed or experienced [hæd]
• only one way: just one method or approach [ˈoʊnli wən weɪ]
• of settling: of resolving; of dealing with [əv ˈsɛtəlɪŋ]
• all difficulties: every problem or challenge [ɔl ˈdɪfɪˌkəltiz]
• great or small: whether large or insignificant [greɪt ər smɔl]
• Off: away; indicating removal [ɔf]
• with his head: a command to decapitate someone [wɪθ hɪz hɛd]
• she: referring to the Queen [ʃi]
• said: stated; spoke [sɛd]
• without: not having; lacking [wɪˈθaʊt]
• even: used to emphasize something unexpected or extreme [ˈivɪn]

'I'll fetch the executioner myself,' said the King eagerly, and he hurried off.

• I'll: contraction of 'I will', indicating a future action by the speaker [aɪl]
• fetch: to go and get something or someone [fɛʧ]
• the executioner: the official who carries out a sentence of execution [ðə ˌɛksəˈkjuʃənər]
• myself: used to emphasize that the speaker will do it personally [ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [ sɛd]
• the King: the male ruler of a kingdom [ðə kɪŋ]
• eagerly: with enthusiasm or impatience [ˈigərli]
• and: conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• he: pronoun referring to the King [hi]
• hurried: moved or acted with haste [ˈhərid]
• off: away from a particular place [ɔf]

Alice thought she might as well go back, and see how the game was going on, as she heard the Queen's voice in the distance, screaming with passion.

• Alice: a proper noun, the name of a person [ˈælɪs]
• thought: past tense of 'think', to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]
• she: pronoun referring to Alice [ʃi]
• might as well: used to suggest doing something because there is no better alternative [maɪt ɛz wɛl]
• go back: return to a previous place [goʊ bæk]
• and: conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• see: to observe or find out [si]
• how: in what way or manner [haʊ]
• the game: a form of play or sport [ðə geɪm]
• was going on: progressing or happening [wɑz goʊɪŋ ɔn]
• as: because [ɛz]
• she: pronoun referring to Alice [ʃi]
• heard: past tense of 'hear', to perceive with the ear [hərd]
• the Queen's: possessive form of 'Queen', the female ruler of a kingdom [ðə kwinz]
• voice: the sound produced by a person's vocal cords [vɔɪs]
• in the distance: far away [ɪn ðə ˈdɪstəns]
• screaming: crying out loudly and sharply [ˈskrimɪŋ]
• with passion: with strong emotion [wɪθ ˈpæʃən]

She had already heard her sentence three of the players to be executed for having missed their turns, and she did not like the look of things at all, as the game was in such confusion that she never knew whether it was her turn or not.

• She: pronoun referring to Alice [ʃi]
• had already: before this time [hæd ɔˈrɛdi]
• heard: past tense of 'hear', to perceive with the ear [hərd]
• her: pronoun referring to the Queen [hər]
• sentence: a formal declaration of punishment [ˈsɛntəns]
• three: the number 3 [θri]
• of: preposition indicating belonging or origin [əv]
• the players: people participating in a game [ðə pleɪərz]
• to be executed: to be put to death as a punishment [tɪ bi ˈɛksəˌkjutɪd]
• for: because of [fər]
• having missed: past participle of 'miss', to fail to hit, catch, or attend [ˈhævɪŋ mɪst]
• their: pronoun referring to the players [ðɛr]
• turns: an opportunity to do something in sequence [tərnz]
• and: conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• she: pronoun referring to Alice [ʃi]
• did not like: to not enjoy or approve of [dɪd nɑt laɪk]
• the look of things: the way a situation appears [ðə lʊk əv θɪŋz]
• at all: in any way; not at all [æt ɔl]
• as: because [ɛz]
• the game: a form of play or sport [ðə geɪm]
• was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• in such confusion: in a state of disorder [ɪn səʧ kənfˈjuʒən]
• that: conjunction introducing a result clause [ðət]
• she: pronoun referring to Alice [ʃi]
• never: at no time [ˈnɛvər]
• knew: past tense of 'know', to be aware of [nu]
• whether: expressing a doubt or choice between alternatives [ˈwɛðər]
• it: pronoun referring to the turn [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• her: pronoun referring to Alice [hər]
• turn: an opportunity to do something in sequence [tərn]
• or not: used to indicate an alternative [ər nɑt]

So she went in search of her hedgehog.

• So: therefore [soʊ]
• she: pronoun referring to Alice [ʃi]
• went: past tense of 'go', to move or travel [wɛnt]
• in search of: looking for [ɪn sərʧ əv]
• her: pronoun referring to Alice [hər]
• hedgehog: a small, spiny mammal [ˈhɛˌʤhɑg]

The hedgehog was engaged in a fight with another hedgehog, which seemed to Alice an excellent opportunity for croqueting one of them with the other: the only difficulty was, that her flamingo was gone across to the other side of the garden, where Alice could see it trying in a helpless sort of way to fly up into a tree.

• The hedgehog: A small, spiny mammal [ðə ˈhɛˌʤhɑg]
• was engaged in: was involved in; was participating in [wɑz ɪnˈgeɪʤd ɪn]
• a fight: a physical conflict or struggle [ə faɪt]
• with another hedgehog: with a second hedgehog [wɪθ əˈnəðər ˈhɛˌʤhɑg]
• which seemed to Alice: which appeared to Alice; from Alice's perspective [wɪʧ simd tɪ ˈælɪs]
• an excellent opportunity: a very good chance or occasion [ən ˈɛksələnt ˌɑpərˈtunəti]
• for croqueting: to hit a ball through a wicket in the game of croquet [fər croqueting]
• one of them: one of the hedgehogs [wən əv ðɛm]
• with the other: using the other hedgehog as a mallet or ball [wɪθ ðə ˈəðər]
• the only difficulty: the single problem or obstacle [ðə ˈoʊnli ˈdɪfɪˌkəlti]
• was, that: was that; the problem was [wɑz ðət]
• her flamingo: her pet flamingo, used as a mallet in croquet [hər fləˈmɪŋgoʊ]
• was gone across: had moved to [wɑz gɔn əˈkrɔs]
• to the other side of the garden: to the opposite side of the garden [tɪ ðə ˈəðər saɪd əv ðə ˈgɑrdən]
• where Alice could see it: a location where Alice could observe the flamingo [wɛr ˈælɪs kʊd si ɪt]
• trying in a helpless sort of way: attempting in a weak and ineffective manner [traɪɪŋ ɪn ə ˈhɛlpləs sɔrt əv weɪ]
• to fly up into a tree: to ascend into a tree by flying [tɪ flaɪ əp ˈɪntu ə tri]

By the time she had caught the flamingo and brought it back, the fight was over, and both the hedgehogs were out of sight: 'but it doesn't matter much,' thought Alice, 'as all the arches are gone from this side of the ground.' So she tucked it away under her arm, that it might not escape again, and went back for a little more conversation with her friend.

• By the time: At the point when; when [baɪ ðə taɪm]
• she had caught: she had captured or retrieved [ʃi hæd kɔt]
• the flamingo: the pink bird, used as a croquet mallet [ðə fləˈmɪŋgoʊ]
• and brought it back: and returned it to her original location [ənd brɔt ɪt bæk]
• the fight was over: the physical conflict had ended [ðə faɪt wɑz ˈoʊvər]
• and both the hedgehogs: and both of the spiny mammals [ənd boʊθ ðə ˈhɛˌʤhɑgz]
• were out of sight: could no longer be seen [wər aʊt əv saɪt]
• but it doesn't matter much: but it is not very important [bət ɪt ˈdəzənt ˈmætər məʧ]
• thought Alice: Alice considered [θɔt ˈælɪs]
• as all the arches: because all the hoops or wickets [ɛz ɔl ðə ˈɑrʧɪz]
• are gone from this side of the ground: have been removed from this area [ər gɔn frəm ðɪs saɪd əv ðə graʊnd]
• So she tucked it away: Therefore, she secured it [soʊ ʃi təkt ɪt əˈweɪ]
• under her arm: held it closely beneath her arm [ˈəndər hər ɑrm]
• that it might not escape again: so that the flamingo would not run away again [ðət ɪt maɪt nɑt ɪˈskeɪp əˈgɛn]
• and went back: and returned [ənd wɛnt bæk]
• for a little more conversation: to talk a bit more [fər ə ˈlɪtəl mɔr ˌkɑnvərˈseɪʃən]
• with her friend: with the person she was talking to [wɪθ hər frɛnd]