used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
(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 But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
bitternessnounUS /ˈbɪtərnəs/
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
brother'snounUS /ˈbrʌðərz/
possessive form of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
despondentlyadverb
with desperation
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
your usual mood
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
DykenounUS /daɪk/
(slang) offensive term for a lesbian who is noticeably masculine
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
to or in any or all places
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
excitingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/
creating or arousing excitement
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
experimentnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənt/
the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
a boy or man
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
yet to be or coming
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
usually; as a rule
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
lacking in or deprived of strength or power
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
hopelessadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊpləs/
without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
incoherentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnkoʊˈhɪrənt/
without logical or meaningful connection
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
Joe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
very unhappy; full of misery
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
neglectverbUS /nəˈɡlekt/
leave undone or leave out
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
and nothing more
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
pensnounUS /penz/
plural of “pen” — a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
prosperouslyadverb
in the manner of prosperous people
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
rearrangingverbUS /ˌriːərˈeɪndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “rearrange” — put into a new order or arrangement
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
restiveadjectiveUS /ˈrestɪv/
being in a tense state
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
past form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
not in physical motion
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
successive (without a break)
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
thoroughadjectiveUS /ˈθɜːroʊ/
painstakingly careful and accurate
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
the act of testing something
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
at the time that
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
in or at the place that
From this reading But he kept on, the task becoming quite exciting when the great birds turned restive or showed fight, and a disposition to go everywhere but where they were wanted.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
in the company of; together with
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
the words that are spoken
From this reading "Poor Joe!" sighed Dyke, as he looked round despondently, and thought of his brother's words, which, broken and incoherent as they were, told of the disappointment and bitterness which had followed the long, weary trial of his experiment.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading It was hard work, feeling, as Dyke did, that it was a hopeless task, and that a complete change--a thorough new beginning--must be made for there to be the slightest chance for success.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading But he set his teeth hard and went about with a fierce energy rearranging the birds in their pens, and generally working as if this were all a mere accident that only wanted putting straight, for everything to go on prosperously in the future.
of very poor quality or condition
From this reading And now, with the poor fellow broken down and completely helpless, the miserable dead birds, the wretched look of those still living, and the general neglect, made Dyke feel ready to turn away in despair.
