Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 53

Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, won't 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]
• won't: contraction of 'will not', expressing a negative future action or unwillingness [woʊnt]
• 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]

"You can really have no notion how delightful it will be

• You: the person being addressed [ju]
• can: indicates ability or possibility [kən]
• really: in fact; actually [ˈrɪli]
• have: to possess or experience [hæv]
• no notion: no idea or understanding [noʊ ˈnoʊʃən]
• how: to what extent or degree [haʊ]
• delightful: very pleasing; charming [dɪˈlaɪtfəl]
• it: refers to something previously mentioned or understood [ɪt]
• will be: future tense of 'to be', indicating a future state or condition [wɪl bi]

When they take us up and throw us, with the lobsters, out to sea!"

• When: at or during the time that [wɪn]
• they: referring to a group of people [ðeɪ]
• take: to seize or capture [teɪk]
• us: referring to the speaker and one or more other people [ˈjuˈɛs]
• up: to a higher level or position [əp]
• and: used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• throw: to propel something through the air with force [θroʊ]
• us: referring to the speaker and one or more other people [ˈjuˈɛs]
• with: accompanied by [wɪθ]
• the lobsters: plural of lobster, a type of shellfish [ðə ˈlɑbstərz]
• out: away from the inside or center [aʊt]
• to: expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• sea: the expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface [si]

But the snail replied "Too far, too far!" and gave a look askance—

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• the snail: a slow-moving gastropod mollusk with a spiral shell [ðə sneɪl]
• replied: to say something in response [rɪˈplaɪd]
• Too far: excessively distant [tu fɑr]
• too far: excessively distant [tu fɑr]
• and: used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• gave: past tense of 'give', to offer or provide [geɪv]
• a look: an act of directing the eyes to see [ə lʊk]
• askance: with an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval [əˈskæns]

Said he thanked the whiting kindly, but he would not join the dance.

• Said: past tense of 'say', to utter words [sɛd]
• he: pronoun referring to a male person or animal [hi]
• thanked: expressed gratitude to [θæŋkt]
• the whiting: a type of fish [ðə ˈwaɪtɪŋ]
• kindly: in a kind manner [ˈkaɪndli]
• but: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• he: pronoun referring to a male person or animal [hi]
• would: auxiliary verb used to express a conditional or future action [wʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• join: to become a member of or participate in [ʤɔɪn]
• the dance: a social gathering where people move rhythmically to music [ðə dæns]

Would not, could not, would not, could not, would not join the dance.

• Would: auxiliary verb used to express a conditional or future action [wʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• could: past tense of 'can', indicating ability or possibility [kʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• would: auxiliary verb used to express a conditional or future action [wʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• could: past tense of 'can', indicating ability or possibility [kʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• would: auxiliary verb used to express a conditional or future action [wʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• join: to become a member of or participate in [ʤɔɪn]
• the dance: a social gathering where people move rhythmically to music [ðə dæns]

Would not, could not, would not, could not, could not join the dance.

• Would: auxiliary verb used to express a conditional or future action [wʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• could: past tense of 'can', indicating ability or possibility [kʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• would: auxiliary verb used to express a conditional or future action [wʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• could: past tense of 'can', indicating ability or possibility [kʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• could: past tense of 'can', indicating ability or possibility [kʊd]
• not: used to express negation [nɑt]
• join: to become a member of or participate in [ʤɔɪn]
• the dance: a social gathering where people move rhythmically to music [ðə dæns]

'"What matters it how far we go?" his scaly friend replied.

• What: Beginning of a direct quote, indicating the start of someone's speech. 'What' introduces a question or statement. [wət]
• matters: is of importance or significance [ˈmætərz]
• it: refers to the subject being discussed, often distance or effort [ɪt]
• how far: to what extent or distance [haʊ fɑr]
• we go: the extent of our journey or progress. The question mark indicates a question, and the quotation mark ends the direct quote. [wi goʊ]
• his: belonging to him (the speaker [hɪz]
• scaly: having scales, referring to the texture of the friend's skin [scaly]
• friend: a companion or acquaintance [frɛnd]

"There is another shore, you know, upon the other side.

• There: Beginning of a direct quote. 'There' indicates existence. [ðɛr]
• is: exists [ɪz]
• another: a different or additional [əˈnəðər]
• shore: the land along the edge of a sea, lake, or river. The comma indicates a pause. [ʃɔr]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• know: used to indicate that the speaker assumes the listener is aware of something. The comma indicates a pause. [noʊ]
• upon: on [əˈpɑn]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific shore [ðə]
• other: opposite [ˈəðər]

The further off from England the nearer is to France—

• The: definite article, referring to a specific distance [ðə]
• further: more distant [ˈfərðər]
• off: away [ɔf]
• from: indicating separation or origin [frəm]
• England: a country in Europe [ˈɪŋglənd]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific proximity [ðə]
• nearer: closer [ˈnɪrər]
• is: is [ɪz]
• to: indicating direction or proximity [tɪ]
• France: a country in Europe. The dash indicates a continuation or abrupt change in thought. [fræns-]

Then turn not pale, beloved snail, but come and join the dance.

• Then: therefore; as a consequence [ðɛn]
• turn: become [tərn]
• not: negative particle [nɑt]
• pale: lacking color in the face, usually due to fear or sickness. The comma indicates a pause. [peɪl]
• beloved: dearly loved or cherished [bɪˈləvəd]
• snail: a slow-moving gastropod mollusk. The comma indicates direct address. [sneɪl]
• but: however; on the contrary [bət]
• come: to move toward someone or something [kəm]
• and: in addition to [ənd]
• join: to become a member of or participate in [ʤɔɪn]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific dance [ðə]

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

• Will: expressing futurity or intention [wɪl]
• you: the person being addressed. The comma indicates a pause. [ju]
• won't: contraction of 'will not', expressing refusal or unwillingness [woʊnt]
• you: the person being addressed. The comma indicates a pause. [ju]
• will: expressing futurity or intention [wɪl]
• you: the person being addressed. The comma indicates a pause. [ju]
• won't: contraction of 'will not', expressing refusal or unwillingness [woʊnt]
• you: the person being addressed. The comma indicates a pause. [ju]
• will: expressing futurity or intention [wɪl]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• join: to become a member of or participate in [ʤɔɪn]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific dance [ðə]

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

• Will: expressing futurity or intention [wɪl]
• you: the person being addressed. The comma indicates a pause. [ju]
• won't: contraction of 'will not', expressing refusal or unwillingness [woʊnt]
• you: the person being addressed. The comma indicates a pause. [ju]
• will: expressing futurity or intention [wɪl]
• you: the person being addressed. The comma indicates a pause. [ju]
• won't: contraction of 'will not', expressing refusal or unwillingness [woʊnt]
• you: the person being addressed. The comma indicates a pause. [ju]
• won't: contraction of 'will not', expressing refusal or unwillingness [woʊnt]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• join: to become a member of or participate in [ʤɔɪn]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific dance [ðə]

'Thank you, it's a very interesting dance to watch,' said Alice, feeling very glad that it was over at last: 'and I do so like that curious song about the whiting!'

• Thank: Expression of gratitude, short for 'I thank you'. Beginning of a direct quote. [θæŋk]
• you: Expression of gratitude directed to the listener. The comma indicates a pause. [ju]
• it's: Contraction of 'it is', referring to the dance. [ɪts]
• a: Indefinite article, introducing a dance. [ə]
• very: Adverb, modifying 'interesting', meaning 'extremely'. [ˈvɛri]
• interesting: Adjective, describing the dance as captivating or engaging. [ˈɪntəˌrɛstɪŋ]
• dance: Noun, referring to the performance being observed. [dæns]
• to: Preposition, indicating purpose or direction. [tɪ]
• watch: Verb, meaning to observe. The comma indicates a pause, and the quotation mark continues the direct quote. [wɔʧ]
• said: Verb, indicating who is speaking. [sɛd]
• Alice: Proper noun, the name of the speaker. The comma indicates a pause. [ˈælɪs]
• feeling: Verb, expressing an emotion. [ˈfilɪŋ]
• very: Adverb, modifying 'glad', meaning 'extremely'. [ˈvɛri]
• glad: Adjective, expressing happiness or relief. [glæd]
• that: Conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause. [ðət]
• it: Pronoun, referring to the dance. [ɪt]
• was: Past tense of 'is'. [wɑz]
• over: Adjective, meaning finished or completed. [ˈoʊvər]
• at: Preposition, indicating a point in time. [æt]
• last: Adverb, meaning finally. The colon introduces an explanation or continuation. [læst]
• and: Conjunction, connecting two clauses. Beginning of a direct quote. [ənd]
• I: Pronoun, referring to the speaker. [aɪ]
• do: Auxiliary verb, used for emphasis. [du]
• so: Adverb, intensifying 'like'. [soʊ]
• like: Verb, expressing enjoyment or preference. [laɪk]
• that: Demonstrative adjective, referring to a specific song. [ðət]
• curious: Adjective, meaning strange or unusual. [ˈkjʊriəs]
• song: Noun, referring to a musical composition. [sɔŋ]
• about: Preposition, indicating the subject of the song. [əˈbaʊt]
• the: Definite article, referring to a specific whiting. [ðə]

'Oh, as to the whiting,' said the Mock Turtle, 'they—you've seen them, of course?'

• Oh: An exclamation expressing surprise, understanding, or other emotions [oʊ]
• as to: Regarding; concerning [ɛz tɪ]
• the whiting: A type of fish [ðə ˈwaɪtɪŋ]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Mock Turtle: A fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• they—you've: contraction of 'they have', indicating that the listener has seen the whiting before [they-youve]
• seen: Past participle of 'see', meaning to have perceived with the eyes [sin]
• them: Referring to the whiting [ðɛm]
• of course: Naturally; as expected [əv kɔrs]

'Yes,' said Alice, 'I've often seen them at dinn—' she checked herself hastily.

• Yes: An affirmation or agreement [jɛs]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• Alice: The main character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland [ˈælɪs]
• I've: Contraction of 'I have' [aɪv]
• often: Frequently; many times [ˈɔfən]
• seen: Past participle of 'see', meaning to have perceived with the eyes [sin]
• them: Referring to the whiting [ðɛm]
• at dinn: Abbreviation of 'dinner', the evening meal [æt dinn-]
• she: Referring to Alice [ʃi]
• checked: Stopped or restrained [ʧɛkt]
• herself: Referring back to Alice [hərˈsɛlf]
• hastily: Quickly; without careful consideration [ˈheɪstəli]

'I don't know where Dinn may be,' said the Mock Turtle, 'but if you've seen them so often, of course you know what they're like.'

• I: The speaker; Alice [aɪ]
• don't: Contraction of 'do not' [doʊnt]
• know: To have knowledge of [noʊ]
• where: In what place or situation [wɛr]
• Dinn: Abbreviation of 'dinner', the evening meal [dinn]
• may be: Possible location or state [meɪ bi]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Mock Turtle: A fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• but: However; on the other hand [bət]
• if: Conditional conjunction [ɪf]
• you've: Contraction of 'you have' [juv]
• seen: Past participle of 'see', meaning to have perceived with the eyes [sin]
• them: Referring to the whiting [ðɛm]
• so often: Very frequently [soʊ ˈɔfən]
• of course: Naturally; as expected [əv kɔrs]
• you: Referring to Alice [ju]
• know: To have knowledge of [noʊ]
• what: Which thing or things [wət]
• they're: Contraction of 'they are' [ðɛr]
• like: Having the characteristics of [laɪk]

'I believe so,' Alice replied thoughtfully. 'They have their tails in their mouths—and they're all over crumbs.'

• I: The speaker; Alice [aɪ]
• believe: To accept as true [bɪˈliv]
• so: To that extent; in that way [soʊ]
• Alice: The main character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland [ˈælɪs]
• replied: Answered [rɪˈplaɪd]
• thoughtfully: In a pensive or reflective manner [ˈθɔtfəli]
• They: Referring to the whiting [ðeɪ]
• have: To possess [hæv]
• their: Belonging to them [ðɛr]
• tails: The hindmost part of an animal [teɪlz]
• in: Within [ɪn]
• their: Belonging to them [ðɛr]
• mouths: The opening through which an animal takes in food [maʊðz]
• and: Conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• they're: Contraction of 'they are' [ðɛr]
• all over: Covered with [ɔl ˈoʊvər]
• crumbs: Small fragments of food [krəmz]

'You're wrong about the crumbs,' said the Mock Turtle: 'crumbs would all wash off in the sea.

• You're: Contraction of 'you are' [jʊr]
• wrong: Incorrect; not right [rɔŋ]
• about: Concerning [əˈbaʊt]
• the crumbs: Small fragments of food [ðə krəmz]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Mock Turtle: A fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• crumbs: Small fragments of food [krəmz]
• would: Expressing a conditional or possible event [wʊd]
• all: Completely; entirely [ɔl]
• wash: To cleanse with water [wɑʃ]
• off: Away from [ɔf]
• in: Within [ɪn]
• the sea: The ocean [ðə si]

But they HAVE their tails in their mouths; and the reason is—' here the Mock Turtle yawned and shut his eyes.—'Tell her about the reason and all that,' he said to the Gryphon.

• But: However; on the other hand [bət]
• they: Referring to the whiting [ðeɪ]
• HAVE: To possess (emphasized [hæv]
• their: Belonging to them [ðɛr]
• tails: The hindmost part of an animal [teɪlz]
• in: Within [ɪn]
• their: Belonging to them [ðɛr]
• mouths: The opening through which an animal takes in food [maʊðz]
• and: Conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• the reason: A cause or explanation for something [ðə ˈrizən]
• is: Present tense of 'be' [ɪz]
• here: At this point [hir]
• the Mock Turtle: A fictional character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland [ðə mɑk ˈtərtəl]
• yawned: Opened the mouth wide and inhaled deeply [jɔnd]
• and: Conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• shut: Closed [ʃət]
• his: Belonging to him [hɪz]
• eyes: Organs of sight [aɪz]
• Tell: To communicate information [tɛl]
• her: Referring to Alice [hər]
• about: Concerning [əˈbaʊt]
• the reason: A cause or explanation for something [ðə ˈrizən]
• and: Conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• all: Everything [ɔl]
• that: Referring to something previously mentioned [ðət]
• he: Referring to the Mock Turtle [hi]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• to: Directed towards [tɪ]
• the Gryphon: A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle [ðə gryphon]

'The reason is,' said the Gryphon, 'that they WOULD go with the lobsters to the dance. So they got thrown out to sea. So they had to fall a long way. So they got their tails fast in their mouths. So they couldn't get them out again. That's all.'

• The reason is: An introductory phrase indicating an explanation is about to be given. [ðə ˈrizən ɪz]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• the Gryphon: identifies the speaker as the Gryphon, a mythical creature [ðə gryphon]
• that: introduces the explanation or reason [ðət]
• they: refers to a group of individuals, in this context, likely the lobsters [ðeɪ]
• WOULD: used for emphasis or to indicate a habitual action in the past [wʊd]
• go: to move or travel; in this case, to attend [goʊ]
• with: in the company of [wɪθ]
• the lobsters: plural of lobster, a type of seafood [ðə ˈlɑbstərz]
• to: indicating direction or purpose [tɪ]
• they: referring to the lobsters [ðeɪ]
• got: past tense of 'get', here meaning 'were' [gɑt]
• thrown: past participle of 'throw', meaning to be propelled forcefully [θroʊn]
• out: away from the inside [aʊt]
• to: toward [tɪ]
• they: referring to the lobsters [ðeɪ]
• had: past tense of 'have', indicating obligation or necessity [hæd]
• to: indicating obligation [tɪ]
• fall: to descend or drop [fɔl]
• they: referring to the lobsters [ðeɪ]
• got: past tense of 'get', here meaning 'became' [gɑt]
• their: belonging to them (the lobsters [ðɛr]
• tails: the rear appendage of an animal [teɪlz]
• fast: stuck or firmly fixed [fæst]
• in: inside [ɪn]
• their: belonging to them (the lobsters [ðɛr]
• they: referring to the lobsters [ðeɪ]
• couldn't: contraction of 'could not', indicating inability [ˈkʊdənt]
• get: to obtain or retrieve [gɪt]
• them: referring to the tails [ðɛm]
• out: away from the inside [aʊt]

'Thank you,' said Alice, 'it's very interesting. I never knew so much about a whiting before.'

• Thank you: An expression of gratitude. [θæŋk ju]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• Alice: identifies the speaker as Alice [ˈælɪs]
• it's: contraction of 'it is', where 'it' refers to the explanation given [ɪts]
• very: to a high degree [ˈvɛri]
• never: at no time in the past [ˈnɛvər]
• knew: past tense of 'know', meaning to be aware of or understand [nu]
• so much: such a large amount [soʊ məʧ]
• about: concerning [əˈbaʊt]
• a whiting: a type of fish [ə ˈwaɪtɪŋ]

'I can tell you more than that, if you like,' said the Gryphon. 'Do you know why it's called a whiting?'

• I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
• can: indicates ability or possibility [kən]
• tell: to communicate information [tɛl]
• you: second-person singular pronoun, referring to the listener [ju]
• more: a greater amount or degree [mɔr]
• than: used for comparison [ðən]
• that: referring to the information already given [ðət]
• if: introducing a condition [ɪf]
• you: second-person singular pronoun, referring to the listener [ju]
• like: if it pleases you; if you wish [laɪk]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating who is speaking [sɛd]
• you: second-person singular pronoun, referring to the listener [ju]
• know: to be aware of or understand [noʊ]
• why: for what reason [waɪ]
• it's: contraction of 'it is', where 'it' refers to the whiting [ɪts]
• called: named or referred to as [kɔld]
• a whiting: a type of fish [ə ˈwaɪtɪŋ]