Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- page 7

Alice took up the fan and gloves, and, as the hall was very hot, she kept fanning herself all the time she went on talking: 'Dear, dear!

• Alice: a proper noun, likely the name of the person in the story [ˈælɪs]
• took up: picked up; lifted [tʊk əp]
• the fan: a hand-held device used to create a breeze [ðə fæn]
• and gloves: hand coverings, typically worn for warmth or protection [ənd gləvz]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]
• as: because; since [ɛz]
• the hall: a corridor or entrance area [ðə hɔl]
• was very hot: had a high temperature [wɑz ˈvɛri hɑt]
• she kept fanning: she continued to use a fan to create a breeze [ʃi kɛpt ˈfænɪŋ]
• herself: referring back to Alice [hərˈsɛlf]
• all the time: continuously; throughout the entire period [ɔl ðə taɪm]
• she went on talking: she continued to speak [ʃi wɛnt ɔn ˈtɔkɪŋ]
• Dear, dear: an expression of surprise or concern [dɪr dɪr]

How queer everything is to-day!

• How queer: how strange or odd [haʊ kwɪr]
• everything: all things [ˈɛvriˌθɪŋ]
• is to-day: is today; is happening on this day [ɪz to-day]

And yesterday things went on just as usual.

• And yesterday: the day before today [ənd ˈjɛstərˌdeɪ]
• things went on: events or situations continued [θɪŋz wɛnt ɔn]
• just as usual: in the normal or expected way [ʤɪst ɛz ˈjuʒəwəl]

I wonder if I've been changed in the night?

• I wonder: I am curious; I am thinking about [aɪ ˈwəndər]
• if I've been changed: if I have been transformed or altered [ɪf aɪv bɪn ʧeɪnʤd]
• in the night: during the nighttime [ɪn ðə naɪt]

Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning?

• Let me think: an expression indicating a pause for consideration [lɛt mi θɪŋk]
• was I the same: was I identical to my previous self [wɑz aɪ ðə seɪm]
• when I got up: when I arose from bed [wɪn aɪ gɑt əp]
• this morning: the early part of the current day [ðɪs ˈmɔrnɪŋ]

I almost think I can remember feeling a little different.

• I almost think: I nearly believe [aɪ ˈɔlˌmoʊst θɪŋk]
• I can remember: I am able to recall [aɪ kən rɪˈmɛmbər]
• feeling a little different: experiencing a slight change in sensation or emotion [ˈfilɪŋ ə ˈlɪtəl ˈdɪfərənt]

But if I'm not the same, the next question is, Who in the world am I?

• But if I'm not the same: However, if I am not identical to my previous self [bət ɪf əm nɑt ðə seɪm]
• the next question: the subsequent inquiry [ðə nɛkst kˈwɛʃən]
• is: linking verb [ɪz]
• Who in the world am I: a rhetorical question expressing confusion about one's identity [hu ɪn ðə wərld æm aɪ]

Ah, THAT'S the great puzzle!' And she began thinking over all the children she knew that were of the same age as herself, to see if she could have been changed for any of them.

• Ah: an exclamation of realization [ɑ]
• THAT'S: that is [ðæts]
• the great puzzle: the significant mystery [ðə greɪt ˈpəzəl]
• And she began: and she started [ənd ʃi bɪˈgæn]
• thinking over: considering; reflecting on [ˈθɪŋkɪŋ ˈoʊvər]
• all the children: every child [ɔl ðə ˈʧɪldrən]
• she knew: that she was acquainted with [ʃi nu]
• that were: who were [ðət wər]
• of the same age: having the same number of years [əv ðə seɪm eɪʤ]
• as herself: as Alice [ɛz hərˈsɛlf]
• to see if: in order to determine whether [tɪ si ɪf]
• she could have been changed: she might have been transformed [ʃi kʊd hæv bɪn ʧeɪnʤd]
• for any of them: into any of those children [fər ˈɛni əv ðɛm]

'I'm sure I'm not Ada,' she said, 'for her hair goes in such long ringlets, and mine doesn't go in ringlets at all; and I'm sure I can't be Mabel, for I know all sorts of things, and she, oh!

• I'm: contraction of 'I am' [əm]
• sure: confident; certain [ʃʊr]
• I'm: contraction of 'I am' [əm]
• not: used to negate a statement [nɑt]
• Ada: a proper noun, likely a name [ˈeɪdə]
• she: a pronoun referring to a female individual [ʃi]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating speech [sɛd]
• for: because [fər]
• her: possessive pronoun referring to a female individual [hər]
• hair: the filaments growing from the skin, especially on the head [hɛr]
• goes: moves or extends in a certain direction or manner [goʊz]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• such: of the type previously mentioned [səʧ]
• long: measuring a great distance from end to end [lɔŋ]
• ringlets: a curl of hair [ringlets]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• mine: belonging to me [maɪn]
• doesn't: contraction of 'does not' [ˈdəzənt]
• go: move or extend in a certain direction or manner [goʊ]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• ringlets: a curl of hair [ringlets]
• at all: in any way; to any extent [æt ɔl]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• I'm: contraction of 'I am' [əm]
• sure: confident; certain [ʃʊr]
• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• can't: contraction of 'cannot' [kænt]
• be: to exist or occur [bi]
• Mabel: a proper noun, likely a name [ˈmeɪbəl]
• for: because [fər]
• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• know: be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information [noʊ]
• all sorts of: many different kinds of [ɔl sɔrts əv]
• things: an object or matter of unspecified kind [θɪŋz]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• she: a pronoun referring to a female individual [ʃi]
• oh: an exclamation expressing surprise, pain, or pleasure [oʊ]

she knows such a very little!

• she: a pronoun referring to a female individual [ʃi]
• knows: is aware of through observation, inquiry, or information [noʊz]
• such: of the type previously mentioned [səʧ]
• a: indefinite article [ə]
• very: in a high degree [ˈvɛri]
• little: small in size or amount [ˈlɪtəl]

Besides, SHE'S she, and I'm I, and—oh dear, how puzzling it all is!

• Besides: in addition; furthermore [ˌbiˈsaɪdz]
• SHE'S: contraction of 'she is', emphasized [ʃiz]
• she: a pronoun referring to a female individual [ʃi]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• I'm: contraction of 'I am' [əm]
• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• and—oh: and - exclamation of surprise or frustration [and-oh]
• dear: an expression of surprise, dismay, or concern [dɪr]
• how: in what way or manner [haʊ]
• puzzling: difficult to understand; perplexing [ˈpəzəlɪŋ]
• it: referring to a situation or idea [ɪt]
• all: the whole of [ɔl]
• is: third-person singular present of 'be' [ɪz]

I'll try if I know all the things I used to know.

• I'll: contraction of 'I will' [aɪl]
• try: make an attempt or effort to do something [traɪ]
• if: expressing a condition [ɪf]
• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• know: be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information [noʊ]
• all: the whole of [ɔl]
• the: definite article [ðə]
• things: an object or matter of unspecified kind [θɪŋz]
• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• used to: did something regularly or frequently in the past [juzd tɪ]
• know: be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information [noʊ]

Let me see: four times five is twelve, and four times six is thirteen, and four times seven is—oh dear!

• Let: allow or permit [lɛt]
• me: first-person singular object pronoun [mi]
• see: perceive with the eyes; look at [si]
• four: the number 4 [fɔr]
• times: multiplied by [taɪmz]
• five: the number 5 [faɪv]
• is: third-person singular present of 'be' [ɪz]
• twelve: the number 12 [twɛlv]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• four: the number 4 [fɔr]
• times: multiplied by [taɪmz]
• six: the number 6 [sɪks]
• is: third-person singular present of 'be' [ɪz]
• thirteen: the number 13 [ˈθərˈtin]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• four: the number 4 [fɔr]
• times: multiplied by [taɪmz]
• seven: the number 7 [ˈsɛvən]
• is—oh: is - exclamation of surprise or frustration [is-oh]
• dear: an expression of surprise, dismay, or concern [dɪr]

I shall never get to twenty at that rate!

• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• shall: expressing the future tense [ʃæl]
• never: at no time in the future; not ever [ˈnɛvər]
• get: reach or arrive at [gɪt]
• to: expressing motion in the direction of a particular location [tɪ]
• twenty: the number 20 [tˈwɛnti]
• at: expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position [æt]
• that: referring to something previously mentioned [ðət]
• rate: a measure, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against some other quantity or measure [reɪt]

However, the Multiplication Table doesn't signify: let's try Geography.

• However: nevertheless; despite this [ˌhaʊˈɛvər]
• the: definite article [ðə]
• Multiplication Table: a table showing the results of multiplying numbers [ˌməltəpləˈkeɪʃən ˈteɪbəl]
• doesn't: contraction of 'does not' [ˈdəzənt]
• signify: be important; matter [ˈsɪgnəˌfaɪ]
• let's: contraction of 'let us' [lɛts]
• try: make an attempt or effort to do something [traɪ]
• Geography: the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these [ʤiˈɑgrəfi]

London is the capital of Paris, and Paris is the capital of Rome, and Rome—no, THAT'S all wrong, I'm certain!

• London: a proper noun, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom [ˈləndən]
• is: third-person singular present of 'be' [ɪz]
• the: definite article [ðə]
• capital: the most important city or town of a country or region, usually its seat of government and administrative centre [ˈkæpɪtəl]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• Paris: a proper noun, the capital city of France [ˈpɛrɪs]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• Paris: a proper noun, the capital city of France [ˈpɛrɪs]
• is: third-person singular present of 'be' [ɪz]
• the: definite article [ðə]
• capital: the most important city or town of a country or region, usually its seat of government and administrative centre [ˈkæpɪtəl]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• Rome: a proper noun, the capital city of Italy [roʊm]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• Rome—no: a proper noun, the capital city of Italy - expressing disagreement [rome-no]
• THAT'S: contraction of 'that is', emphasized [ðæts]
• all: completely; entirely [ɔl]
• wrong: not correct or true; incorrect [rɔŋ]
• I'm: contraction of 'I am' [əm]
• certain: completely sure of something [ˈsərtən]

I must have been changed for Mabel!

• I: first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]
• must: expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• have been: past form of 'be' [hæv bɪn]
• changed: made or become different [ʧeɪnʤd]
• for: in place of; instead of [fər]
• Mabel: a proper noun, likely a name [ˈmeɪbəl]

'How doth the little crocodile

• How doth the little crocodile: An archaic and poetic way of saying "How does the little crocodile". 'Doth' is an old form of 'does'. [haʊ dɔθ ðə ˈlɪtəl ˈkrɑkəˌdaɪl]

Improve his shining tail,

• Improve: To make something better [ˌɪmˈpruv]
• his shining tail: The crocodile's tail, which is bright and reflective [hɪz ˈʃaɪnɪŋ teɪl]

And pour the waters of the Nile

• And pour: To cause (something) to flow from a container or place [ənd pɔr]
• the waters of the Nile: Referring to the water from the Nile River [ðə ˈwɔtərz əv ðə naɪl]

On every golden scale!

• On every golden scale: Referring to the scales of the crocodile, which are described as golden. [ɔn ˈɛvəri ˈgoʊldən skeɪl]

'How cheerfully he seems to grin,

• How cheerfully: In a happy and positive manner [haʊ ˈʧɪrfəli]
• he seems to grin: He appears to smile broadly [hi simz tɪ grɪn]

How neatly spread his claws,

• How neatly: In a tidy and organized manner [haʊ ˈnitli]
• spread his claws: Extended or displayed his claws [sprɛd hɪz klɔz]

And welcome little fishes in

• And welcome: To greet someone in a friendly way [ənd ˈwɛlkəm]
• little fishes in: Small fish entering a place [ˈlɪtəl ˈfɪʃɪz ɪn]

With gently smiling jaws!'

• With gently: In a soft and kind manner [wɪθ ˈʤɛntli]
• smiling jaws: The crocodile's mouth, which appears to be smiling. [sˈmaɪlɪŋ ʤɔz]

'I'm sure those are not the right words,' said poor Alice, and her eyes filled with tears again as she went on, 'I must be Mabel after all, and I shall have to go and live in that poky little house, and have next to no toys to play with, and oh!

• I'm sure: I am certain [əm ʃʊr]
• those: plural of that, referring to the words [ðoʊz]
• are not: are not [ər nɑt]
• the right words: the correct words [ðə raɪt wərdz]
• said poor Alice: Alice, who is feeling sad [sɛd pur ˈælɪs]
• and her eyes filled with tears: she started to cry [ənd hər aɪz fɪld wɪθ tɪrz]
• again: once more [əˈgɛn]
• as she went on: as she continued speaking [ɛz ʃi wɛnt ɔn]
• I must be: I think I am [aɪ məst bi]
• Mabel: a name [ˈmeɪbəl]
• after all: in the end [ˈæftər ɔl]
• and I shall have: and I will have [ənd aɪ ʃæl hæv]
• to go and live: to move and reside [tɪ goʊ ənd lɪv]
• in that poky little house: in that small and cramped house [ɪn ðət ˈpoʊki ˈlɪtəl haʊs]
• and have next to no toys: and have almost no toys [ənd hæv nɛkst tɪ noʊ tɔɪz]
• to play with: for playing [tɪ pleɪ wɪθ]
• and oh: an exclamation of distress [ənd oʊ]

ever so many lessons to learn!

• ever so many lessons: a large number of lessons [ˈɛvər soʊ ˈmɛni ˈlɛsənz]
• to learn: to study [tɪ lərn]

No, I've made up my mind about it; if I'm Mabel, I'll stay down here!

• No, I've made up my mind: I have decided [noʊ aɪv meɪd əp maɪ maɪnd]
• about it: regarding this matter [əˈbaʊt ɪt]
• if I'm Mabel: if I am Mabel [ɪf əm ˈmeɪbəl]
• I'll stay down here: I will remain here [aɪl steɪ daʊn hir]

It'll be no use their putting their heads down and saying "Come up again, dear!" I shall only look up and say "Who am I then?

• It'll be: It will be [ˈɪtəl bi]
• no use: not helpful [noʊ juz]
• their putting their heads down: them lowering their heads [ðɛr ˈpʊtɪŋ ðɛr hɛdz daʊn]
• and saying: and speaking [ənd seɪɪŋ]
• Come up again, dear: an invitation to return [kəm əp əˈgɛn dɪr]
• I shall only look up: I will just look upwards [aɪ ʃæl ˈoʊnli lʊk əp]
• and say: and speak [ənd seɪ]
• Who am I then: What is my identity? [hu æm aɪ ðɛn]

Tell me that first, and then, if I like being that person, I'll come up: if not, I'll stay down here till I'm somebody else"—but, oh dear!' cried Alice, with a sudden burst of tears, 'I do wish they WOULD put their heads down!

• Tell me that first: Inform me of that first [tɛl mi ðət fərst]
• and then: and after that [ənd ðɛn]
• if I like: if I enjoy [ɪf aɪ laɪk]
• being that person: being that individual [biɪŋ ðət ˈpərsən]
• I'll come up: I will return [aɪl kəm əp]
• if not: if I don't like it [ɪf nɑt]
• I'll stay down here: I will remain here [aɪl steɪ daʊn hir]
• till I'm somebody else: until I become another person [tɪl əm ˈsəmˌbɑdi ɛls]
• but, oh dear: an expression of dismay [-bət oʊ dɪr]
• cried Alice: Alice exclaimed [kraɪd ˈælɪs]
• with a sudden burst of tears: suddenly crying a lot [wɪθ ə ˈsədən bərst əv tɪrz]
• I do wish: I really want [aɪ du wɪʃ]
• they WOULD put their heads down: they would lower their heads [ðeɪ wʊd pʊt ðɛr hɛdz daʊn]