Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
David Copperfield
David Copperfield

Chapter XXXV · Chapter 35

Chapter 35 of David Copperfield is here in full — 368 sentences across 74 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for David Copperfield
Context Illustration Reading 1/73 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.
For years after it occurred, I dreamed of it often.
I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.
I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.
I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
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 XXXV · Chapter 35

Chapter 35 of David Copperfield is here in full — 368 sentences across 74 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/73 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.
Line 2
For years after it occurred, I dreamed of it often.
/fɔːr jɪrz ˈæftər ɪt əˈkɜːrd aɪ driːmd ʌv ɪt ˈɔːfən/
Line 3
I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.
/aɪ hæv ˈstɑːrtɪd ʌp soʊ ˈvɪvədli ˌɪmˈprest baɪ ɪt ðæt ɪts ˈfjʊri hæz jet siːmd ˈreɪdʒɪŋ ɪn maɪ ˈkwaɪət ruːm ɪn ðə stɪl naɪt/
Line 4
I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.
/aɪ driːm ʌv ɪt səmˈtaɪmz ðoʊ æt ˈleŋθənd ənd ənˈsɜːrtən ˈɪntərvəlz tuː ðɪs ˈaʊər/
Line 5
I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

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.

indelible adjective US /ˌɪnˈdelɪbəl/

cannot be removed or erased

From this reading “I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.”

lengthened adjective US /ˈleŋθənd/

drawn out or made longer spatially

From this reading “I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.”

lightest adjective US /ˈlaɪtəst/

superlative of “light” — of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading “I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.”

preceded verb US /prɪˈsiːdɪd/

past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading “I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.”

raging adjective US /ˈreɪdʒɪŋ/

characterized by violent and forceful activity or movement; very intense

From this reading “I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.”

stormy adjective US /ˈstɔːrmi/

(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion

From this reading “I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.”

ties noun US /taɪz/

plural of “tie” — neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front

From this reading “I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.”

vividly adverb US /ˈvɪvədli/

in a vivid manner

From this reading “I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.”

All words in this reading · 91

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

advancedadjectiveUS /ədˈvænst/

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading For years after it occurred, I dreamed of it often.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

approachverbUS /əˈproʊtʃ/

move towards

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

associationnounUS /əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən/

a formal organization of people or groups of people

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.

awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/

exceptionally bad or displeasing

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

beginningnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

boundadjectiveUS /baʊnd/

confined by bonds

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

childishadjectiveUS /ˈtʃaɪldɪʃ/

indicating a lack of maturity

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

consciousadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnʃəs/

intentionally conceived

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

dreamnounUS /driːm/

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.

dreamedadjectiveUS /driːmd/

conceived of or imagined or hoped for

From this reading For years after it occurred, I dreamed of it often.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

eventnounUS /ɪˈvent/

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For years after it occurred, I dreamed of it often.

fore-cast

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

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

furynounUS /ˈfjʊri/

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

growingnounUS /ˈɡroʊɪŋ/

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

hournounUS /ˈaʊər/

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

impressedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprest/

deeply or markedly affected or influenced

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/

plural of “incident” — a single distinct event

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

indelibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdelɪbəl/

cannot be removed or erased

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

infiniteadjectiveUS /ˈɪnfənət/

having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

largeradjectiveUS /ˈlɑːrdʒər/

large or big relative to something else

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

lengthenedadjectiveUS /ˈleŋθənd/

drawn out or made longer spatially

From this reading I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

lightestadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪtəst/

superlative of “light” — of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

mentionverbUS /ˈmenʃən/

make reference to

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

nightnounUS /naɪt/

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

occurredverbUS /əˈkɜːrd/

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading For years after it occurred, I dreamed of it often.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading For years after it occurred, I dreamed of it often.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

pagesnounUS /ˈpeɪdʒəz/

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

plainadjectiveUS /pleɪn/

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

precededverbUS /prɪˈsiːdɪd/

past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

ragingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪdʒɪŋ/

characterized by violent and forceful activity or movement; very intense

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

roomnounUS /ruːm/

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

sea-shore

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

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

seenverbUS /siːn/

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

sometimesadverbUS /səmˈtaɪmz/

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.

startedverbUS /ˈstɑːrtɪd/

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

stormyadjectiveUS /ˈstɔːrmi/

(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.

throwingverbUS /ˈθroʊɪŋ/

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

tiesnounUS /taɪz/

plural of “tie” — neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

towernounUS /ˈtaʊər/

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

uncertainadjectiveUS /ənˈsɜːrtən/

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading I dream of it sometimes, though at lengthened and uncertain intervals, to this hour.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading I now approach an event in my life, so indelible, so awful, so bound by an infinite variety of ties to all that has preceded it, in these pages, that, from the beginning of my narrative, I have seen it growing larger and larger as I advanced, like a great tower in a plain, and throwing its fore-cast shadow even on the incidents of my childish days.

vividlyadverbUS /ˈvɪvədli/

in a vivid manner

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

windnounUS /waɪnd/

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading I have an association between it and a stormy wind, or the lightest mention of a sea-shore, as strong as any of which my mind is conscious.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading For years after it occurred, I dreamed of it often.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading I have started up so vividly impressed by it, that its fury has yet seemed raging in my quiet room, in the still night.

Chapter 35 of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens holds 368 sentences, grouped into 74 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 35 of David Copperfield contain?

Chapter 35 holds 368 sentences of David Copperfield, unabridged, divided into 74 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 35 of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 368 sentences, grouped into 74 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 35 of David Copperfield?

Work through the 74 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 74 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 35 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 35 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.