'Well(An introductory word, often used to start a sentence or a response in conversation. [wɛl]), there(Indicates the existence or presence of something. [ðɛr]) was(Past tense of the verb 'to be', indicating existence or a state of being in the past. [wɑz]) Mystery(A subject or topic that is unknown, unexplained, or difficult to understand. [ˈmɪstəri]),' (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)the Mock Turtle(A fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]) replied(Answered; responded in words. [rɪˈplaɪd]), (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)counting off(Enumerating or listing items one by one. [ˈkaʊntɪŋ ɔf]) the subjects(The topics or areas of study. [ðə ˈsəbʤɪkts]) on his flappers(Referring to the Mock Turtle's appendages, likely resembling fins or paddles. [ɔn hɪz ˈflæpərz]), (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)'—Mystery(Repeating the subject, 'Mystery'. [-ˈmɪstəri]), (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)ancient(Belonging to the distant past. [ˈeɪnʧənt]) and(A conjunction used to connect words or phrases. [ənd]) modern(Relating to the present or recent times. [ˈmɑdərn]), (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)with(In addition to; along with. [wɪθ]) Seaography(A play on words, combining 'sea' and 'geography', likely referring to the study of the sea. [seaography]): (punctuation mark used to introduce an explanation or list)then(Following in order or time. [ðɛn]) Drawling(Speaking in a slow, lazy way with prolonged vowels. [drawling])—(punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)the Drawling-master(The teacher of Drawling. [ðə drawling-master]) was(Past tense of the verb 'to be'. [wɑz]) an old conger-eel(A type of eel, described as old. [ən oʊld conger-eel]), (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)that(A relative pronoun referring to the conger-eel. [ðət]) used to come(Had a habit of coming. [juzd tɪ kəm]) once a week(Happening one time per week. [wəns ə wik]): (punctuation mark used to introduce an explanation or list)HE(Referring to the Drawling-master. [hi]) taught(Past tense of 'teach', meaning to impart knowledge or skill. [tɔt]) us(Referring to the students. [ˈjuˈɛs]) Drawling(Repeating the subject, 'Drawling'. [drawling]), (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)Stretching(Extending or elongating. [ˈstrɛʧɪŋ]), (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)and(A conjunction used to connect words or phrases. [ənd]) Fainting in Coils(Passing out or losing consciousness while curled up. [ˈfeɪntɪŋ ɪn kɔɪlz]).'
'What(Used to ask for specific information. [wət]) was(Past tense of the verb 'to be'. [wɑz]) THAT(Referring to something previously mentioned. [ðət]) like(Similar to; resembling. [laɪk])?' (End of the sentence)said(Spoke; uttered words. [sɛd]) Alice(The main character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. [ˈælɪs]).
'Well(An introductory word, often used to start a sentence or a response in conversation. [wɛl]), (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)I(First-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker. [aɪ]) can't(Contraction of 'cannot', meaning unable to. [kænt]) show(To allow or cause to be seen. [ʃoʊ]) it(Referring to something previously mentioned. [ɪt]) you(Second-person singular pronoun, referring to the person being addressed. [ju]) myself(Referring to the speaker. [ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]),' (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)(punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)the Mock Turtle(A fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]) said(Spoke; uttered words. [sɛd]): (punctuation mark used to introduce an explanation or list)'I'm(Contraction of 'I am'. [əm]) too(Also; excessively. [tu]) stiff(Rigid; not flexible. [stɪf]). And the Gryphon(A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. [ðə gryphon]) never(At no time; not ever. [ˈnɛvər]) learnt(Past tense of 'learn', meaning to gain knowledge or skill. [lərnt]) it(Referring to something previously mentioned. [ɪt]).'
'Hadn't(Contraction of 'had not'. [ˈhædənt]) time(The measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues; opportunity. [taɪm]),' (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)(punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)said(Spoke; uttered words. [sɛd]) the Gryphon(A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. [ðə gryphon]): (punctuation mark used to introduce an explanation or list)'I(First-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker. [aɪ]) went(Past tense of 'go', meaning to move or travel. [wɛnt]) to(Expressing direction or purpose. [tɪ]) the Classics master(The teacher of classical subjects, such as Latin and Greek. [ðə ˈklæsɪks ˈmæstər]), (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)though(Despite the fact that; although. [ðoʊ]). He was(Past tense of the verb 'to be'. [wɑz]) an old crab(A crustacean, described as old. [ən oʊld kræb]), (punctuation mark used to separate elements in a sentence)HE(Referring to the Classics master. [hi]) was(Past tense of the verb 'to be'. [wɑz]).'
'I never went to him(Direct quote indicating the speaker never approached the person being discussed. [aɪ ˈnɛvər wɛnt tɪ ɪm]),' the Mock Turtle(A fictional character, part turtle, part mock (imitation). [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]) said(Past tense of 'say', indicating speech. [sɛd]) with a sigh(An audible exhalation of breath, often expressing sadness, relief, or fatigue. [wɪθ ə saɪ]): 'he taught(Referring to the person who provided instruction. [hi tɔt]) Laughing(The act of making sounds and movements of the face showing amusement. [ˈlæfɪŋ]) and(A conjunction connecting two related nouns. [ənd]) Grief(Intense sorrow, especially caused by someone's death. [grif]), they used to say(Indicates a common belief or rumor in the past. [ðeɪ juzd tɪ seɪ]).'
'So he did, so he did(Agreement or affirmation of a previous statement. [soʊ hi dɪd soʊ hi dɪd]),' said(Past tense of 'say', indicating speech. [sɛd]) the Gryphon(A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. [ðə gryphon]), sighing(Emitting a long, deep audible breath expressing sadness, weariness, or relief. [saɪɪŋ]) in his turn(One after another; each taking a turn to do something. [ɪn hɪz tərn]); and(A conjunction connecting two related clauses. [ənd]) both creatures(Referring to the Mock Turtle and the Gryphon. [boʊθ ˈkriʧərz]) hid(Past tense of 'hide', meaning to conceal or cover. [hɪd]) their faces(The front part of the head, from the forehead to the chin. [ðɛr ˈfeɪsɪz]) in their paws(The feet of an animal having claws. [ɪn ðɛr pɔz]).
'And(Used to introduce a further question or statement. [ənd]) how many hours(Refers to the duration of time, measured in units of 60 minutes. [haʊ ˈmɛni aʊərz]) a day(Each 24-hour period. [ə deɪ]) did you do lessons(Question about the amount of time spent studying or learning. [dɪd ju du ˈlɛsənz])?' said(Past tense of 'say', indicating speech. [sɛd]) Alice(A proper noun, the name of the character. [ˈælɪs]), in a hurry(Acting with haste or urgency. [ɪn ə ˈhəri]) to change the subject(To shift the conversation to a different topic. [tɪ ʧeɪnʤ ðə ˈsəbʤɪkt]).
'Ten hours(A duration of ten hours. [tɛn aʊərz]) the first day(The initial day of a period. [ðə fərst deɪ]),' said(Past tense of 'say', indicating speech. [sɛd]) the Mock Turtle(A fictional character, part turtle, part mock (imitation). [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]): 'nine the next(A duration of nine hours on the subsequent day. [naɪn ðə nɛkst]), and so on(Continuing in the same manner. [ənd soʊ ɔn]).'
'What a curious plan(An exclamation expressing surprise or interest in a strange or unusual arrangement. [wət ə ˈkjʊriəs plæn])!' exclaimed(Spoke suddenly and emphatically. [ɪkˈskleɪmd]) Alice(A proper noun, the name of the character. [ˈælɪs]).
'That's(Contraction of 'that is', referring to a previously mentioned fact or situation. [ðæts]) the reason(The cause or explanation for something. [ðə ˈrizən]) they're called lessons(The name given to a period of learning or instruction. [ðɛr kɔld ˈlɛsənz]),' the Gryphon(A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. [ðə gryphon]) remarked(Said something as a comment. [rɪˈmɑrkt]): 'because(For the reason that. [bɪˈkəz]) they lessen(To decrease or reduce in quantity or amount. [ðeɪ ˈlɛsən]) from day to day(Gradually, as each day passes. [frəm deɪ tɪ deɪ]).'
This(refers to something previously mentioned or understood [ðɪs]) was(past tense of 'to be', indicating a state or condition in the past [wɑz]) quite(to a considerable extent; rather [kwaɪt]) a new idea(an idea that is novel or unfamiliar to someone [ə nu aɪˈdiə]) to Alice(indicating who is receiving or experiencing the new idea [tɪ ˈælɪs]), and(connecting two related thoughts or clauses [ənd]) she(referring to Alice [ʃi]) thought it over(considered or reflected on something carefully [θɔt ɪt ˈoʊvər]) a little(to a small extent or degree [ə ˈlɪtəl]) before(prior to a certain time or event [ˌbiˈfɔr]) she made(before she expressed [ʃi meɪd]) her next remark(the following comment or statement she made [hər nɛkst rɪˈmɑrk]). 'Then(used to indicate a logical conclusion or inference [ðɛn]) the eleventh day(the day that is the eleventh in a sequence [ðə ˈilɛvənθ deɪ]) must have been(expressing a logical deduction about a past event [məst hæv bɪn]) a holiday(a day of celebration or rest from work [ə ˈhɑlɪˌdeɪ])?'
'Of course(certainly; definitely [əv kɔrs]) it was(referring to the eleventh day being a holiday [ɪt wɑz]),' said(spoke [sɛd]) the Mock Turtle(a character in the story [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]).
'And(used to introduce an additional related point [ənd]) how(in what way or manner [haʊ]) did you manage(how did you cope or deal with something [dɪd ju ˈmænɪʤ]) on the twelfth(referring to the twelfth day of the sequence [ɔn ðə twɛlfθ])?' Alice(a character in the story [ˈælɪs]) went on(continued speaking [wɛnt ɔn]) eagerly(with enthusiasm or excitement [ˈigərli]).
'That's enough(there has been sufficient; no more is needed [ðæts ɪˈnəf]) about lessons(concerning the topic of lessons or education [əˈbaʊt ˈlɛsənz]),' the Gryphon(a character in the story [ðə gryphon]) interrupted(stopped someone from speaking by saying or doing something [ˌɪntərˈəptɪd]) in a very decided tone(speaking in a firm and resolute manner [ɪn ə ˈvɛri ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd toʊn]): 'tell her(inform Alice [tɛl hər]) something(some information or story [ˈsəmθɪŋ]) about the games(concerning the topic of games or recreation [əˈbaʊt ðə geɪmz]) now(at the present time [naʊ]).'
CHAPTER X(Chapter number 10 [ˈʧæptər ɛks]). The Lobster Quadrille(The name of the chapter [ðə ˈlɑbstər quadrille])
The Mock Turtle(a character in the story [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]) sighed deeply(let out a long, audible breath expressing sadness or relief [saɪd ˈdipli]), and(connecting two actions [ənd]) drew(moved or pulled [dru]) the back of one flapper(the back of one of his flippers or fins [ðə bæk əv wən ˈflæpər]) across his eyes(over his eyes, as if wiping away tears [əˈkrɔs hɪz aɪz]). He(referring to the Mock Turtle [hi]) looked at Alice(directed his gaze towards Alice [lʊkt æt ˈælɪs]), and(connecting two actions [ənd]) tried to speak(attempted to say something [traɪd tɪ spik]), but(introducing a contrast [bət]) for a minute or two(for a short period of time [fər ə ˈmɪnət ər tu]) sobs(convulsive gasps of distress [sɑbz]) choked(obstructed or blocked [ʧoʊkt]) his voice(his ability to speak [hɪz vɔɪs]). 'Same as if(similar to [seɪm ɛz ɪf]) he had(he possessed [hi hæd]) a bone in his throat(an idiom for being unable to speak due to emotion or difficulty [ə boʊn ɪn hɪz θroʊt]),' said(stated [sɛd]) the Gryphon(a character in the story [ðə gryphon]): and(connecting two actions [ənd]) it(referring to the Gryphon [ɪt]) set to work(began to do something energetically [sɛt tɪ wərk]) shaking him(moving him back and forth vigorously [ˈʃeɪkɪŋ ɪm]) and(connecting two actions [ənd]) punching him(striking him with a fist [ˈpənʧɪŋ ɪm]) in the back(on his back [ɪn ðə bæk]). At last(finally; after some time [æt læst]) the Mock Turtle(a character in the story [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]) recovered his voice(regained his ability to speak [rɪˈkəvərd hɪz vɔɪs]), and(connecting two actions [ənd]), with tears running down his cheeks(with tears flowing from his eyes [wɪθ tɪrz ˈrənɪŋ daʊn hɪz ʧiks]), he(referring to the Mock Turtle [hi]) went on again(continued speaking [wɛnt ɔn əˈgɛn]):—
'You(Addressing Alice directly [ju]) may not have lived(Expressing possibility that Alice hasn't experienced something [meɪ nɑt hæv lɪvd]) much(To a great extent or degree [məʧ]) under the sea(Beneath the surface of the ocean [ˈəndər ðə si-])—' ('I haven't(Alice's interjection indicating she hasn't lived under the sea [(aɪ ˈhævənt)]),' said(Verbal attribution [sɛd]) Alice(Identifying the speaker [ˈælɪs)-]))—'and(Conjunction indicating addition [ənd]) perhaps(Possibly; maybe [pərˈhæps]) you were never even introduced(Expressing possibility that Alice hasn't been acquainted with something [ju wər ˈnɛvər ˈivɪn ˌɪntrəˈdust]) to a lobster(Specifically, a lobster [tɪ ə ˈlɑbstər])—' (Alice(Identifying the speaker [(ˈælɪs]) began to say(Started to speak [bɪˈgæn tɪ seɪ]) 'I once tasted(Alice's interrupted statement about tasting something [aɪ wəns ˈteɪstɪd])—' but(Conjunction indicating contrast [bət]) checked herself hastily(Stopped herself quickly [ʧɛkt hərˈsɛlf ˈheɪstəli]), and(Conjunction indicating addition [ənd]) said(Verbal attribution [sɛd]) 'No, never(Alice's denial of ever being introduced to a lobster [noʊ ˈnɛvər)])') '—so(Therefore; as a result [-soʊ]) you can have no idea(Expressing that Alice is unable to comprehend something [ju kən hæv noʊ aɪˈdiə]) what a delightful thing(Emphasizing how enjoyable something is [wət ə dɪˈlaɪtfəl θɪŋ]) a Lobster Quadrille(A specific type of dance involving lobsters [ə ˈlɑbstər quadrille]) is(Concluding statement [ɪz])!'