Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 52

'No, indeed,' said Alice. 'What sort of a dance is it?'

• No, indeed: Expressing agreement or confirmation with emphasis [noʊ ˌɪnˈdid]
• said: Verbal attribution [sɛd]
• Alice: Identifying the speaker [ˈælɪs]
• What: Inquiring about something [wət]
• sort of: Type or kind of [sɔrt əv]
• a dance: A form of structured movement to music [ə dæns]
• is it: Asking about the nature of the dance [ɪz ɪt]

'Why,' said the Gryphon, 'you first form into a line along the sea-shore—'

• Why: Used to express surprise, impatience, or as an introduction to an explanation [waɪ]
• said: Verbal attribution [sɛd]
• the Gryphon: Identifying the speaker [ðə gryphon]
• you: Referring to the participants [ju]
• first: Initially; at the beginning [fərst]
• form into: Arrange yourselves into [fɔrm ˈɪntu]
• a line: A straight row [ə laɪn]
• along: Following the course of [əˈlɔŋ]
• the sea-shore: The edge of the land where it meets the sea [ðə sea-shore-]

'Two lines!' cried the Mock Turtle. 'Seals, turtles, salmon, and so on; then, when you've cleared all the jelly-fish out of the way—'

• Two lines: Expressing surprise or emphasis about the number of lines [tu laɪnz]
• cried: Exclaimed loudly [kraɪd]
• the Mock Turtle: Identifying the speaker [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• Seals: Listing a type of sea creature [silz]
• turtles: Listing a type of sea creature [ˈtərtəlz]
• salmon: Listing a type of sea creature [ˈsæmən]
• and so on: Indicating that the list continues [ənd soʊ ɔn]
• then: Next; after that [ðɛn]
• when you've cleared: After you have removed [wɪn juv klɪrd]
• all: Every single one [ɔl]
• the jelly-fish: A type of sea creature [ðə jelly-fish]
• out of the way: Removed from the path or area [aʊt əv ðə weɪ-]

'THAT generally takes some time,' interrupted the Gryphon.

• THAT: Referring to something previously mentioned or understood in the context [ðət]
• generally: usually; in most cases [ˈʤɛnərəli]
• takes some time: requires a certain amount of time to complete or happen [teɪks səm taɪm]
• interrupted: to break into someone's conversation or activity [ˌɪntərˈəptɪd]
• the Gryphon: a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion [ðə gryphon]

'—you advance twice—'

• you: Referring to the person being addressed [-ju]
• advance: to move forward [ədˈvæns]
• twice: two times; on two occasions [twaɪs-]

'Each with a lobster as a partner!' cried the Gryphon.

• Each: every one of two or more people or things, regarded and identified separately [iʧ]
• with: accompanied by; having or possessing [wɪθ]
• a lobster: a marine crustacean with a cylindrical body, stalked eyes, and large claws, which is widely used as food [ə ˈlɑbstər]
• as: used to indicate by comparison the way that something appears or is done [ɛz]
• a partner: a person who dances with someone; someone who shares an activity or endeavor [ə ˈpɑrtnər]
• cried: shouted; exclaimed loudly [kraɪd]
• the Gryphon: a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion [ðə gryphon]

'Of course,' the Mock Turtle said: 'advance twice, set to partners—'

• Of course: certainly; definitely; as expected [əv kɔrs]
• the Mock Turtle: a fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, who is a turtle with the head, hooves, and tail of a calf [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• said: uttered words; expressed verbally [sɛd]
• advance: to move forward [ədˈvæns]
• twice: two times; on two occasions [twaɪs]
• set to: to begin working on something; to prepare for something [sɛt tɪ]
• partners: people who dance or do something together [ˈpɑrtnərz-]

'—change lobsters, and retire in same order,' continued the Gryphon.

• change: to make or become different [-ʧeɪnʤ]
• lobsters: marine crustaceans with a cylindrical body, stalked eyes, and large claws, which are widely used as food [ˈlɑbstərz]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• retire: to withdraw from action or danger; to go away to or from a particular place [ˌriˈtaɪər]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• same: identical; not different [seɪm]
• order: the arrangement or disposition of people or things in relation to each other [ˈɔrdər]
• continued: to go on; to proceed [kənˈtɪnjud]
• the Gryphon: a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion [ðə gryphon]

'Then, you know,' the Mock Turtle went on, 'you throw the—'

• Then: after that; next; afterward [ðɛn]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• know: used to indicate that the speaker assumes the listener understands or is familiar with something [noʊ]
• the Mock Turtle: a fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, who is a turtle with the head, hooves, and tail of a calf [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• went on: continued speaking [wɛnt ɔn]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• throw: to propel something through the air with force [θroʊ]
• the: used to refer to something specific [ðə-]

'The lobsters!' shouted the Gryphon, with a bound into the air.

• The lobsters: Referring to the marine crustaceans [ðə ˈlɑbstərz]
• shouted: exclaimed loudly and vehemently [ˈʃaʊtɪd]
• the Gryphon: a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion [ðə gryphon]
• with: accompanied by; having or possessing [wɪθ]
• a bound: a leaping movement [ə baʊnd]
• into: expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ˈɪntu]
• the air: the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen [ðə ɛr]

'—as far out to sea as you can—'

• as: used to indicate by comparison the way that something appears or is done [-ɛz]
• far: to a great distance [fɑr]
• out: away from the inside or center [aʊt]
• to: expressing direction or location [tɪ]
• sea: the expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface [si]
• as: used to indicate by comparison the way that something appears or is done [ɛz]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• can: able to do something [kən-]

'Swim after them!' screamed the Gryphon.

• Swim: move through water by means of the limbs or fins [swɪm]
• after: following in time or order [ˈæftər]
• them: referring to the lobsters [ðɛm]
• screamed: uttered a loud, piercing cry [skrimd]
• the Gryphon: a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion [ðə gryphon]

'Turn a somersault in the sea!' cried the Mock Turtle, capering wildly about.

• Turn: move so that you are facing in the opposite direction [tərn]
• a somersault: an acrobatic movement in which a person turns head over heels in the air or on the ground and lands on their feet [ə ˈsəmərˌsɔlt]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• the sea: the expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface [ðə si]
• cried: exclaimed loudly [kraɪd]
• the Mock Turtle: a fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, who is a turtle with the head, hooves, and tail of a calf [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• capering: skipping or dancing about in a lively or playful way [capering]
• wildly: in an uncontrolled or unrestrained manner [ˈwaɪldli]
• about: approximately; around [əˈbaʊt]

'Change lobsters again!' yelled the Gryphon at the top of its voice.

• Change lobsters again: An exclamation or command, possibly related to a game or activity within the story. 'Change lobsters' suggests a change of partners or roles involving lobsters. 'Again' indicates a repetition of this action. [ʧeɪnʤ ˈlɑbstərz əˈgɛn]
• yelled: To shout something loudly, usually when angry, excited, or trying to be heard. [jɛld]
• the Gryphon: A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. In this context, it is a character in the story. [ðə gryphon]
• at the top of its voice: As loudly as possible; using the full power of one's voice. [æt ðə tɔp əv ɪts vɔɪs]

'Back to land again, and that's all the first figure,' said the Mock Turtle, suddenly dropping his voice; and the two creatures, who had been jumping about like mad things all this time, sat down again very sadly and quietly, and looked at Alice.

• Back to land again: Returning to the shore or ground after being in the water or elsewhere. 'Again' suggests a return to a previous state or location. [bæk tɪ lænd əˈgɛn]
• and that's all the first figure: Referring to a step or sequence in a dance or game. 'That's all' indicates the completion of that particular part. [ənd ðæts ɔl ðə fərst ˈfɪgjər]
• said the Mock Turtle: The speaker is the Mock Turtle, a character in the story, likely named for its resemblance to a turtle. [sɛd ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• suddenly dropping his voice: Abruptly speaking more quietly, perhaps to indicate a change in mood or to share a secret. [ˈsədənli ˈdrɑpɪŋ hɪz vɔɪs]
• and the two creatures: Referring to two characters in the story, likely the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle. [ənd ðə tu ˈkriʧərz]
• who had been jumping about like mad things: Describing energetic and uncontrolled movement, suggesting excitement or frenzy. 'Like mad things' is an idiom for acting wildly. [hu hæd bɪn ˈʤəmpɪŋ əˈbaʊt laɪk mæd θɪŋz]
• all this time: Throughout the duration of the events being described. [ɔl ðɪs taɪm]
• sat down again: Returned to a seated position. 'Again' indicates a repetition of this action. [sæt daʊn əˈgɛn]
• very sadly: Expressing a great deal of sorrow or unhappiness. [ˈvɛri ˈsædli]
• and quietly: Without making noise or disturbance. [ənd kˈwaɪətli]

'It must be a very pretty dance,' said Alice timidly.

• It must be: Expressing a deduction or conclusion based on available information. [ɪt məst bi]
• a very pretty dance: Describing a dance as visually appealing or graceful. 'Very' intensifies the adjective 'pretty'. [ə ˈvɛri ˈprɪti dæns]
• said Alice: The speaker is Alice, a character in the story. [sɛd ˈælɪs]

'Would you like to see a little of it?' said the Mock Turtle.

• Would you like: A polite way of offering something or asking if someone desires something. [wʊd ju laɪk]
• to see: To observe or witness something. [tɪ si]
• a little of it: A small portion or example of something. In this case, referring to the dance. [ə ˈlɪtəl əv ɪt]

'Very much indeed,' said Alice.

• Very much indeed: An emphatic affirmation, indicating strong agreement or desire. 'Indeed' reinforces the statement. [ˈvɛri məʧ ˌɪnˈdid]

'Come, let's try the first figure!' said the Mock Turtle to the Gryphon. 'We can do without lobsters, you know.

• Come: An invitation or encouragement to do something. [kəm]
• let's try: Suggesting an attempt or experiment. [lɛts traɪ]
• the first figure: Referring to the initial step or sequence in a dance or game. [ðə fərst ˈfɪgjər]
• said the Mock Turtle: The speaker is the Mock Turtle, a character in the story. [sɛd ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• to the Gryphon: Addressing the Gryphon, another character in the story. [tɪ ðə gryphon]
• We can do: Expressing the ability to manage or proceed without something. [wi kən du]
• without lobsters: Indicating that lobsters are not necessary for the activity. [wɪˈθaʊt ˈlɑbstərz]
• you know: A phrase used to emphasize or seek agreement from the listener. [ju noʊ]

'Oh, YOU sing,' said the Gryphon.

• Oh: Expresses surprise, understanding, or emphasis [oʊ]
• YOU: Refers to the person being addressed, emphasizing that they are the one who should sing [ju]
• sing: To produce musical sounds with the voice [sɪŋ]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]
• the Gryphon: Refers to a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, previously introduced in the story [ðə gryphon]

So they began solemnly dancing round and round Alice, every now and then treading on her toes when they passed too close, and waving their forepaws to mark the time, while the Mock Turtle sang this, very slowly and sadly:—

• So: Therefore; as a result [soʊ]
• they: Refers to a group of individuals or characters previously mentioned [ðeɪ]
• began: Past tense of 'begin', meaning to start an action [bɪˈgæn]
• solemnly: In a serious and dignified manner [ˈsɔləmli]
• dancing: Moving rhythmically to music [ˈdænsɪŋ]
• round and round: In a circular motion, repeatedly [raʊnd ənd raʊnd]
• Alice: The main character in the story [ˈælɪs]
• every now and then: Occasionally; from time to time [ˈɛvəri naʊ ənd ðɛn]
• treading: Stepping or walking on [ˈtrɛdɪŋ]
• on her toes: Specifically stepping on her toes, causing discomfort [ɔn hər toʊz]
• when: At the time that; during the event of [wɪn]
• they: Referring to the group dancing around Alice [ðeɪ]
• passed: Moved by or went past [pæst]
• too close: Near enough to cause contact or discomfort [tu kloʊz]
• and: Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• waving: Moving back and forth [ˈweɪvɪŋ]
• their forepaws: The front paws of the creatures [ðɛr forepaws]
• to mark the time: To keep the rhythm of the music [tɪ mɑrk ðə taɪm]
• while: During the time that [waɪl]
• the Mock Turtle: A character in the story, a turtle that imitates a mock turtle soup [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• sang: Past tense of 'sing', meaning to produce musical sounds with the voice [sæŋ]
• this: Refers to the song that follows [ðɪs]
• very slowly: At a slow pace [ˈvɛri sˈloʊli]
• and: Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• sadly: In a sorrowful manner [ˈsædli]

'"Will you walk a little faster?" said a whiting to a snail.

• Will: Expresses a request or willingness [wɪl]
• you: Refers to the person being addressed [ju]
• walk: To move at a moderate pace by foot [wɔk]
• a little: A small amount or distance [ə ˈlɪtəl]
• faster: At a greater speed [ˈfæstər]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating who spoke the words [sɛd]
• a whiting: A type of fish [ə ˈwaɪtɪŋ]
• to: Expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• a snail: A slow-moving creature with a shell [ə sneɪl]

"There's a porpoise close behind us, and he's treading on my tail.

• There's: Contraction of 'there is', indicating existence [ðɛrz]
• a porpoise: A marine mammal similar to a dolphin [ə ˈpɔrpəs]
• close: Near in distance [kloʊz]
• behind: At the back of [bɪˈhaɪnd]
• us: Refers to a group including the speaker [ˈjuˈɛs]
• and: Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• he's: Contraction of 'he is', referring to the porpoise [hiz]
• treading: Stepping or walking [ˈtrɛdɪŋ]
• on: Located upon [ɔn]
• my: Belonging to the speaker [maɪ]
• tail: The rear appendage of an animal [teɪl]

See how eagerly the lobsters and the turtles all advance!

• See: To perceive with the eyes; observe [si]
• how: In what way or manner [haʊ]
• eagerly: With great enthusiasm or willingness [ˈigərli]
• the lobsters: Marine crustaceans with elongated bodies and muscular tails [ðə ˈlɑbstərz]
• and: Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• the turtles: Reptiles with a bony shell [ðə ˈtərtəlz]
• all: Every one of a group [ɔl]
• advance: Move forward; proceed [ədˈvæns]

They are waiting on the shingle—will you come and join the dance?

• They: Refers to a group of individuals or characters previously mentioned, in this case, lobsters and turtles [ðeɪ]
• are: Present tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [ər]
• waiting: Remaining in place until a particular event happens [ˈweɪtɪŋ]
• on: Located at or upon [ɔn]
• the shingle: A beach covered with small pebbles or stones [ðə ˈʃɪŋgəl]
• will: Expresses a request or willingness [wɪl]
• you: Refers to the person being addressed [ju]
• come: To move or travel towards a place [kəm]
• and: Used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• join: To become a member of; participate in [ʤɔɪn]
• the dance: A series of rhythmic movements performed to music [ðə dæns]

Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the dance?

• Will: auxiliary verb used to express future tense, willingness, or a request [wɪl]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• won't: contraction of 'will not', expressing a negative future action or unwillingness [woʊnt]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• will: auxiliary verb used to express future tense, willingness, or a request [wɪl]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• won't: contraction of 'will not', expressing a negative future action or unwillingness [woʊnt]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• will: auxiliary verb used to express future tense, willingness, or a request [wɪl]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• join: to become a member of or participate in [ʤɔɪn]
• the dance: a social gathering where people move rhythmically to music [ðə dæns]