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A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol

Chapter II · Stave II: The First of the Three Spirits

Read and study this complete chapter with synchronized narration, pronunciation, and vocabulary support.

STAVE II: THE FIRST OF THE THREE SPIRITS WHEN Scrooge awoke, it was so dark, that looking out of bed, he could scarcely distinguish the transparent window from the opaque walls of his chamber.

Young Scrooge alone at school as Fan arrives, watched by the Ghost of Christmas Past
Context Illustration Reading 15/81 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Take heed!"
It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.
"Rise!
and walk with me!"
It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Christmas Carol

Chapter II · Stave II: The First of the Three Spirits

Study this chapter through synchronized reading, listening, pronunciation, and contextual vocabulary.

Reading 15/81 · 5 reading units · Lines 71–75

Line 1
Take heed!"
Line 2
It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.
Line 3
"Rise!
Line 4
and walk with me!"
Line 5
It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.
All words in this reading · 60

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

a

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

adapted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

and

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

arm

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

as

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

at

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

bed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

been

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

below

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

but

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

by

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

clad

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

clasped

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

cold

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

dressing-gown

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

for

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

freezing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

gently

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

had

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

hand

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

have

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

he

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

heed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take heed!"

him

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

his

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

hour

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

in

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

It

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

its

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

lightly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

long

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

me

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading and walk with me!"

nightcap

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

not

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

out

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

pedestrian

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

plead

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

purposes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

put

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

Rise

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "Rise!

Scrooge

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

slippers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

spoke

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

strong

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

Take

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Take heed!"

that

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

the

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It put out its strong hand as it spoke, and clasped him gently by the arm.

thermometer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

time

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

to

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

upon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

vain

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

walk

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading and walk with me!"

warm

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

was

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

way

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

weather

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

were

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

with

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading and walk with me!"

would

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes; that bed was warm, and the thermometer a long way below freezing; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers, dressing-gown, and nightcap; and that he had a cold upon him at that time.

Chapter Quiz

Use these questions to verify literal comprehension before continuing to the next chapter.

What is the central narrative or theme conveyed in this section of Stave II: The First of the Three Spirits?

Which core linguistic virtue or character attribute is emphasized in this passage?

According to the text: "STAVE II: THE FIRST OF THE THREE SPIRITS...", what tone does the author establish?

Shadowing Practice

Repeat the selected source lines aloud to practice rhythm, stress, and clear US English pronunciation.

Narrator: STAVE II: THE FIRST OF THE THREE SPIRITS
Narrator: "Was I apprenticed here!"