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David Copperfield
David Copperfield

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of David Copperfield is here in full — 337 sentences across 68 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for David Copperfield
Context Illustration Reading 1/67 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.
I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.
For these reasons I was sorry to go; but for other reasons, unsubstantial enough, I was glad.
Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.
So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.
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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.

David Copperfield

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of David Copperfield is here in full — 337 sentences across 68 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/67 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.
Line 2
I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.
Line 3
For these reasons I was sorry to go; but for other reasons, unsubstantial enough, I was glad.
Line 4
Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.
Line 5
So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

Mind noun US /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading “So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.”

All words in this reading · 94

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

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 I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

according

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

am

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

an

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

and

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

animal

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

at

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

attaching

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

attachment

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

away

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

be

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

been

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

being

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

boyish

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

but

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

From this reading For these reasons I was sorry to go; but for other reasons, unsubstantial enough, I was glad.

by

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

came

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

considerations

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

could

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

disposal

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

distinguished

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

Doctor

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

done

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

doubtful

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

drew

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

effects

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

eminent

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

end

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

enough

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

From this reading For these reasons I was sorry to go; but for other reasons, unsubstantial enough, I was glad.

fail

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

for

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

glad

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

go

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

From this reading For these reasons I was sorry to go; but for other reasons, unsubstantial enough, I was glad.

great

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

had

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

happy

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

have

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

he

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

heart

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

his

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

I

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

ideas

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

importance

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

in

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

leaving

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

left

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

little

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

lured

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

magnificent

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

make

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

man

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

me

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

Misty

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

my

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

natural

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

not

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

of

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

or

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

other

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

From this reading For these reasons I was sorry to go; but for other reasons, unsubstantial enough, I was glad.

own

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

powerful

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

present

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

reasons

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

From this reading For these reasons I was sorry to go; but for other reasons, unsubstantial enough, I was glad.

regret

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

school

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

school-days

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

seem

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

seen

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

So

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

society

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

sorry

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

Strong's

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

that

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

the

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

there

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

these

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

From this reading For these reasons I was sorry to go; but for other reasons, unsubstantial enough, I was glad.

things

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

thinking

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

time

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

to

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

unsubstantial

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

From this reading For these reasons I was sorry to go; but for other reasons, unsubstantial enough, I was glad.

upon

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

very

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

visionary

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

was

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

way

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

were

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

when

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

whether

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

From this reading I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school-days drew to an end, and the time came for my leaving Doctor Strong’s.

without

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

From this reading So powerful were these visionary considerations in my boyish mind, that I seem, according to my present way of thinking, to have left school without natural regret.

wonderful

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

world

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

From this reading I had been very happy there, I had a great attachment for the Doctor, and I was eminent and distinguished in that little world.

young

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

From this reading Misty ideas of being a young man at my own disposal, of the importance attaching to a young man at his own disposal, of the wonderful things to be seen and done by that magnificent animal, and the wonderful effects he could not fail to make upon society, lured me away.

Chapter 12 of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens holds 337 sentences, grouped into 68 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 12 of David Copperfield contain?

Chapter 12 holds 337 sentences of David Copperfield, unabridged, divided into 68 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 12 of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 337 sentences, grouped into 68 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 12 of David Copperfield?

Work through the 68 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 68 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 12 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 12 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading David Copperfield

Common questions about reading David Copperfield by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of David Copperfield?

Yes. All 18139 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #766 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of David Copperfield is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #766, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does David Copperfield take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 3628 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read David Copperfield section by section

How to work through David Copperfield section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of David Copperfield to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in David Copperfield

Words and structures a reader meets early in David Copperfield, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Whether
A word that appears in the opening chapter of David Copperfield; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Shall
A word that appears in the opening chapter of David Copperfield; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Station
A word that appears in the opening chapter of David Copperfield; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Anybody
A word that appears in the opening chapter of David Copperfield; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.