Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 47

'Of course it is,' said the Duchess, who seemed ready to agree to everything that Alice said; 'there's a large mustard-mine near here.

• Of course: expression indicating agreement or obviousness [əv kɔrs]
• it is: affirmation that something is true [ɪt ɪz]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Duchess: identifies the speaker as the Duchess [ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• who seemed: indicates an appearance or impression [hu simd]
• ready to agree: willing to concur or accept something [ˈrɛdi tɪ əˈgri]
• to everything: to all things [tɪ ˈɛvriˌθɪŋ]
• that Alice said: refers to what Alice has stated [ðət ˈælɪs sɛd]
• there's: contraction of 'there is' [ðɛrz]
• a large mustard-mine: a place where mustard is extracted from the ground [ə lɑrʤ mustard-mine]
• near here: close to the current location [nɪr hir]

'Oh, I know!' exclaimed Alice, who had not attended to this last remark, 'it's a vegetable.

• Oh, I know: Expression of sudden realization or understanding [oʊ aɪ noʊ]
• exclaimed: Said suddenly and vehemently [ɪkˈskleɪmd]
• Alice: Identifies the speaker as Alice [ˈælɪs]
• who had not attended: Who didn't pay attention [hu hæd nɑt əˈtɛndəd]
• to this last remark: To the previous statement [tɪ ðɪs læst rɪˈmɑrk]
• it's: Contraction of 'it is' [ɪts]
• a vegetable: A plant or part of a plant used as food [ə ˈvɛʤtəbəl]

'I quite agree with you,' said the Duchess; 'and the moral of that is—"Be what you would seem to be"—or if you'd like it put more simply—"Never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might appear to others that what you were or might have been was not otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be otherwise."'

• I quite agree: Expression of strong agreement [aɪ kwaɪt əˈgri]
• with you: To the person being spoken to [wɪθ ju]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Duchess: Identifies the speaker as the Duchess [ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• and: Conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• the moral: The lesson or message that can be learned from a story or experience [ðə ˈmɔrəl]
• of that: Referring to the preceding statement [əv ðət]
• is—"Be: Introduces the moral of the story, an imperative verb [is-be]
• what: The thing or things that [wət]
• you would seem: You appear to be [ju wʊd sim]
• to be: To exist or occur [tɪ bi-]
• or: Conjunction introducing an alternative [ər]
• if you'd like: If you would prefer [ɪf jʊd laɪk]
• it put: It expressed [ɪt pʊt]
• more simply—"Never: In a less complex way, followed by a negative imperative [mɔr simply-never]
• imagine: Form a mental image or concept of [ˌɪˈmæʤən]
• yourself: Referring to oneself [ˈjɔrsɛlf]
• not to be: To not exist or occur [nɑt tɪ bi]
• otherwise: In a different way [ˈəðərˌwaɪz]
• than: Used to introduce the second element in a comparison [ðən]
• what: The thing or things that [wət]
• it might appear: It could seem [ɪt maɪt əˈpɪr]
• to others: To other people [tɪ ˈəðərz]
• that: Used to introduce a subordinate clause [ðət]
• what: The thing or things that [wət]
• you were: You existed [ju wər]
• or might have been: Or could have existed [ər maɪt hæv bɪn]
• was not otherwise: Was not different [wɑz nɑt ˈəðərˌwaɪz]
• than: Used to introduce the second element in a comparison [ðən]
• what: The thing or things that [wət]
• you had been: You had existed [ju hæd bɪn]
• would have appeared: Would have seemed [wʊd hæv əˈpɪrd]
• to them: To other people [tɪ ðɛm]
• to be otherwise: To exist in a different way. This is a complex and convoluted sentence playing on the nature of appearance versus reality. [tɪ bi ˈəðərˌwaɪz]

'I think I should understand that better,' Alice said very politely, 'if I had it written down: but I can't quite follow it as you say it.'

• I: First-person singular pronoun; used by Alice to refer to herself [aɪ]
• think: To have a particular belief or idea [θɪŋk]
• I: Repeats the first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• should: Expressing a conditional or moral obligation [ʃʊd]
• understand: To perceive the meaning of something [ˌəndərˈstænd]
• that: Referring to something previously mentioned or known [ðət]
• better: To a greater degree; in a more excellent way [ˈbɛtər]
• Alice: Name of the speaker [ˈælɪs]
• said: Verb indicating speech [sɛd]
• very: To a great degree; extremely [ˈvɛri]
• politely: In a respectful and considerate manner [pəˈlaɪtli]
• if: Expressing a condition [ɪf]
• I: First-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• had: Past tense of 'have'; to possess or hold [hæd]
• it: Referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]
• written: Past participle of 'write'; to record words or symbols on a surface [ˈrɪtən]
• down: To record in writing [daʊn]
• but: Conjunction indicating contrast [bət]
• I: First-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• can't: Contraction of 'cannot'; expressing inability [kænt]
• quite: To a certain extent or degree [kwaɪt]
• follow: To understand or comprehend [ˈfɑloʊ]
• it: Referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]
• as: In the manner or way that [ɛz]
• you: Second-person singular pronoun; referring to the person being addressed [ju]
• say: To utter words [seɪ]
• it: Referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]

'That's nothing to what I could say if I chose,' the Duchess replied, in a pleased tone.

• That's: Contraction of 'that is'; referring to something previously mentioned [ðæts]
• nothing: Not anything; no amount or quantity [ˈnəθɪŋ]
• to: In comparison with [tɪ]
• what: Referring to something that is said or done [wət]
• I: First-person singular pronoun; referring to the Duchess [aɪ]
• could: Expressing possibility or ability in the past [kʊd]
• say: To utter words [seɪ]
• if: Expressing a condition [ɪf]
• I: First-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• chose: Past tense of 'choose'; to select or decide [ʧoʊz]
• the: Definite article; referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]
• Duchess: Title of nobility [ˈdəʧəs]
• replied: Verb indicating a response [rɪˈplaɪd]
• in: Expressing location or state [ɪn]
• a: Indefinite article; referring to any one of a class of things [ə]
• pleased: Feeling or showing pleasure or satisfaction [plizd]
• tone: The quality of a person's voice [toʊn]

'Pray don't trouble yourself to say it any longer than that,' said Alice.

• Pray: Please; used to make a polite request [preɪ]
• don't: Contraction of 'do not'; expressing negation [doʊnt]
• trouble: To cause inconvenience or difficulty [ˈtrəbəl]
• yourself: Reflexive pronoun; referring to the person being addressed [ˈjɔrsɛlf]
• to: Expressing purpose or intention [tɪ]
• say: To utter words [seɪ]
• it: Referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]
• any: To any extent or degree [ˈɛni]
• longer: For a greater period of time [ˈlɔŋgər]
• than: Expressing comparison [ðən]
• that: Referring to something previously mentioned [ðət]
• said: Verb indicating speech [sɛd]
• Alice: Name of the speaker [ˈælɪs]

'Oh, don't talk about trouble!' said the Duchess.

• Oh: Exclamation expressing surprise or emotion [oʊ]
• don't: Contraction of 'do not'; expressing negation [doʊnt]
• talk: To speak or converse [tɔk]
• about: Concerning or regarding [əˈbaʊt]
• trouble: Difficulty or inconvenience [ˈtrəbəl]
• said: Verb indicating speech [sɛd]
• the: Definite article; referring to a specific person or thing [ðə]
• Duchess: Title of nobility [ˈdəʧəs]

'A cheap sort of present!' thought Alice.

• A: Indefinite article; referring to any one of a class of things [ə]
• cheap: Low in price; inexpensive [ʧip]
• sort: A type or kind [sɔrt]
• of: Expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• present: Something given as a gift [ˈprɛzənt]
• thought: Past tense of 'think'; to have a particular belief or idea [θɔt]
• Alice: Name of the speaker [ˈælɪs]

'I'm glad they don't give birthday presents like that!' But she did not venture to say it out loud.

• I'm: Contraction of 'I am'; expressing a state of being [əm]
• glad: Feeling pleasure or happiness [glæd]
• they: Third-person plural pronoun; referring to a group of people [ðeɪ]
• don't: Contraction of 'do not'; expressing negation [doʊnt]
• give: To present something voluntarily [gɪv]
• birthday: The anniversary of the day on which someone was born [ˈbərθˌdeɪ]
• presents: Plural of 'present'; something given as a gift [ˈprɛzənts]
• like: Similar to [laɪk]
• that: Referring to something previously mentioned [ðət]
• But: Conjunction indicating contrast [bət]
• she: Third-person singular pronoun; referring to Alice [ʃi]
• did: Auxiliary verb used for emphasis or to form questions/negations [dɪd]
• not: Expressing negation [nɑt]
• venture: To dare to do something [ˈvɛnʧər]
• to: Expressing purpose or intention [tɪ]
• say: To utter words [seɪ]
• it: Referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]
• out: Away from the inside [aʊt]
• loud: In a way that is easily heard [laʊd]

'Thinking again?' the Duchess asked, with another dig of her sharp little chin.

• Thinking again: A question indicating that someone is pondering something once more. 'Thinking' refers to the act of using one's mind to consider or reason about something. 'Again' implies a repetition of the act of thinking. [ˈθɪŋkɪŋ əˈgɛn]
• the Duchess: A noblewoman holding the title of Duchess. In this context, it refers to a specific character known as the Duchess. [ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• asked: Inquired or posed a question. It indicates that the Duchess verbally expressed the question. [æst]
• with another dig of her sharp little chin: An additional instance of the Duchess thrusting her chin forward in a somewhat aggressive or emphatic manner. 'Dig' implies a quick, poking movement. 'Sharp little chin' describes the physical characteristic of the Duchess's chin. [wɪθ əˈnəðər dɪg əv hər ʃɑrp ˈlɪtəl ʧɪn]

'I've a right to think,' said Alice sharply, for she was beginning to feel a little worried.

• I've a right to think: Expressing the speaker's belief that they are entitled to have their own thoughts. 'I've' is a contraction of 'I have'. 'A right' signifies an entitlement or justified claim. 'To think' refers to the act of using one's mind to consider or reason about something. [aɪv ə raɪt tɪ θɪŋk]
• said Alice sharply: Indicates that Alice spoke in a terse or irritable manner. 'Said' indicates that Alice spoke. 'Sharply' describes the tone of her voice. [sɛd ˈælɪs ˈʃɑrpli]
• for she was beginning to feel a little worried: Explains the reason for Alice's sharp tone. 'For' introduces the explanation. 'She' refers to Alice. 'Was beginning' indicates the start of a feeling. 'A little worried' describes the emotional state of being slightly anxious or concerned. [fər ʃi wɑz bɪˈgɪnɪŋ tɪ fil ə ˈlɪtəl ˈwərid]

'Just about as much right,' said the Duchess, 'as pigs have to fly; and the m—'

• Just about as much right: Expressing a sarcastic comparison of rights. 'Just about' indicates approximation. 'As much right' refers to the same level of entitlement. [ʤɪst əˈbaʊt ɛz məʧ raɪt]
• said the Duchess: Indicates that the Duchess spoke. 'Said' indicates that the Duchess spoke. [sɛd ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• as pigs have to fly: A simile used to express impossibility. 'Pigs have to fly' is an absurd and impossible scenario. [ɛz pɪgz hæv tɪ flaɪ]
• and the m: An incomplete word, likely 'moral', cut off mid-sentence. [ənd ðə ɛm-]

But here, to Alice's great surprise, the Duchess's voice died away, even in the middle of her favourite word 'moral,' and the arm that was linked into hers began to tremble.

• But here: Indicates a change or shift in the scene or action. [bət hir]
• to Alice's great surprise: Expresses Alice's astonishment at what is about to happen. 'Great surprise' indicates a high level of astonishment. [tɪ ˈælɪsəz greɪt səˈpraɪz]
• the Duchess's voice died away: Indicates that the Duchess's voice faded or stopped. 'Died away' means to gradually decrease in intensity or volume. [ðə duchesss vɔɪs daɪd əˈweɪ]
• and the arm that was linked into hers began to tremble: Describes a physical reaction of the Duchess, indicating fear or nervousness. 'Linked into hers' refers to the Duchess's arm being connected to Alice's. 'Began to tremble' indicates the start of shaking involuntarily. [ənd ðə ɑrm ðət wɑz lɪŋkt ˈɪntu hərz bɪˈgæn tɪ ˈtrɛmbəl]

Alice looked up, and there stood the Queen in front of them, with her arms folded, frowning like a thunderstorm.

• Alice looked up: Indicates that Alice raised her gaze. [ˈælɪs lʊkt əp]
• and there stood the Queen in front of them: Reveals the presence of the Queen, who is standing before Alice and the Duchess. 'There stood' emphasizes the Queen's presence. 'In front of them' indicates the Queen's position relative to Alice and the Duchess. [ənd ðɛr stʊd ðə kwin ɪn frənt əv ðɛm]
• with her arms folded: Describes the Queen's posture, indicating disapproval or authority. 'Arms folded' means the Queen has her arms crossed over her chest. [wɪθ hər ɑrmz ˈfoʊldɪd]
• frowning like a thunderstorm: A simile comparing the Queen's facial expression to a thunderstorm, indicating anger or displeasure. 'Frowning' means furrowing the brow in displeasure. 'Like a thunderstorm' is the comparison, suggesting a dark and ominous mood. [ˈfraʊnɪŋ laɪk ə ˈθəndərˌstɔrm]

'A fine day, your Majesty!' the Duchess began in a low, weak voice.

• A fine day: An exclamation indicating that the speaker considers the day to be pleasant or agreeable [ə faɪn deɪ]
• your Majesty: A formal address to a monarch (king, queen, emperor, etc. [jʊr ˈmæʤəsti]
• the Duchess: A noblewoman holding the title of Duchess [ðə ˈdəʧəs]
• began: Started speaking [bɪˈgæn]
• in a low, weak voice: Speaking quietly and with little strength. [ɪn ə loʊ wik vɔɪs]

'Now, I give you fair warning,' shouted the Queen, stamping on the ground as she spoke; 'either you or your head must be off, and that in about half no time!

• Now: Indicates a transition or introduction of a new point [naʊ]
• I give you fair warning: I am giving you a clear and honest warning [aɪ gɪv ju fɛr ˈwɔrnɪŋ]
• shouted: Spoke very loudly [ˈʃaʊtɪd]
• the Queen: The female monarch or ruler [ðə kwin]
• stamping: forcefully striking the ground with one's foot [ˈstæmpɪŋ]
• on the ground: the surface of the earth [ɔn ðə graʊnd]
• as she spoke: while she was talking [ɛz ʃi spoʊk]
• either: one or the other of two options [ˈiðər]
• you: referring to the person being addressed [ju]
• or: used to introduce another choice or possibility [ər]
• your head: referring to the person's head [jʊr hɛd]
• must be off: must be removed, typically implying decapitation [məst bi ɔf]
• and that: referring to the removal of the head [ənd ðət]
• in about half no time: very quickly; almost immediately [ɪn əˈbaʊt hæf noʊ taɪm]