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

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Essays — Second Series is here in full — 135 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Essays — Second Series
Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.
Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.
Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.
Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.
Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.
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.

Essays — Second Series

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Essays — Second Series is here in full — 135 sentences across 27 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/27 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.
Line 2
Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.
Line 3
Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.
/ˈneɪtʃər əˈdɑːpts ðem ˈveri fæst ˈɪntuː hɜːr ˈvaɪtəl ˈsɜːrkəlz ənd ðə ˈɡlaɪdɪŋ treɪn ʌv kɑːrz ʃiː lʌvz laɪk hɜːr oʊn/
Line 4
Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.
Line 5
Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

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.

adopts verb US /əˈdɑːpts/

third-person singular of “adopt” — choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans

From this reading “Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.”

beehive noun US /ˈbiːhaɪv/

any workplace where people are very busy

From this reading “Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.”

dislocation noun US /dɪˈsloʊˈkeɪʃən/

an event that results in a displacement or discontinuity

From this reading “For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.”

disposes verb US /dɪˈspoʊzɪz/

third-person singular of “dispose” — give, sell, or transfer to another

From this reading “For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.”

geometrical adjective US /ˌdʒiːəˈmetrɪkəl/

of or relating to or determined by geometry

From this reading “Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.”

mechanics noun US /məˈkænɪks/

the branch of physics concerned with the motion of bodies in a frame of reference

From this reading “Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.”

signifies verb US /ˈsɪɡnəfaɪz/

third-person singular of “signify” — denote or connote

From this reading “Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.”

violations noun US /vaɪəˈleɪʃənz/

plural of “violation” — a crime less serious than a felony

From this reading “For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.”

All words in this reading · 105

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 For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

addverbUS /æd/

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

adoptsverbUS /əˈdɑːpts/

third-person singular of “adopt” — choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

artificialadjectiveUS /ˌɑːrtəˈfɪʃəl/

contrived by art rather than nature

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

beehivenounUS /ˈbiːhaɪv/

any workplace where people are very busy

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

brokenadjectiveUS /ˈbroʊkən/

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

carsnounUS /kɑːrz/

plural of “car” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

centred

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

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

circlesnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəlz/

plural of “circle” — ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

consecratedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnsəkreɪtɪd/

solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high or sacred purpose

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

deeperadverbUS /ˈdiːpər/

comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

detachmentnounUS /dɪˈtætʃmənt/

avoiding emotional involvement

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

disagreeableadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbəl/

not to your liking

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

dislocationnounUS /dɪˈsloʊˈkeɪʃən/

an event that results in a displacement or discontinuity

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

disposesverbUS /dɪˈspoʊzɪz/

third-person singular of “dispose” — give, sell, or transfer to another

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

easilyadverbUS /ˈiːzəli/

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

exhibitverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/

show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

factory-village

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

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

factsnounUS /fækts/

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

fallverbUS /fɔːl/

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

fancynounUS /ˈfænsi/

something many people believe that is false

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

fastadverbUS /fæst/

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

gainedverbUS /ɡeɪnd/

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

geometricaladjectiveUS /ˌdʒiːəˈmetrɪkəl/

of or relating to or determined by geometry

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

glidingnounUS /ˈɡlaɪdɪŋ/

the activity of flying a glider

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

GodnounUS /ɡɑːd/

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

grain's

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

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

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

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

how

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

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

insightnounUS /ˈɪnsaɪt/

clear or deep perception of a situation

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

inventionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈvenʃənz/

plural of “invention” — the creation of something in the mind

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

landscapenounUS /ˈlændskeɪp/

an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

lovesnounUS /lʌvz/

plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

makesnounUS /meɪks/

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

mechanicaladjectiveUS /məˈkænɪkəl/

using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

mechanicsnounUS /məˈkænɪks/

the branch of physics concerned with the motion of bodies in a frame of reference

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

millionsnounUS /ˈmɪljənz/

plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

OrdernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

poetnounUS /ˈpoʊət/

a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

poetrynounUS /ˈpoʊətri/

literature in metrical form

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

railwaynounUS /ˈreɪlweɪ/

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

re-attaches

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

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

re-attaching

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

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

ReadersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

readingnounUS /ˈriːdɪŋ/

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

seesnounUS /siːz/

plural of “see” — the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

signifiesverbUS /ˈsɪɡnəfaɪz/

third-person singular of “signify” — denote or connote

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

spider's

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

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

surprisingadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋ/

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

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

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

ThoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

trainverbUS /treɪn/

create by training and teaching

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

uglyadjectiveUS /ˈʌɡli/

displeasing to the senses

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

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

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

violationsnounUS /vaɪəˈleɪʃənz/

plural of “violation” — a crime less serious than a felony

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

vitaladjectiveUS /ˈvaɪtəl/

urgently needed; absolutely necessary

From this reading Nature adopts them very fast into her vital circles, and the gliding train of cars she loves like her own.

webnounUS /web/

an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

weightnounUS /weɪt/

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading Though you add millions, and never so surprising, the fact of mechanics has not gained a grain's weight.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

WholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading For as it is dislocation and detachment from the life of God that makes things ugly, the poet, who re-attaches things to nature and the Whole,--re-attaching even artificial things and violations of nature, to nature, by a deeper insight,--disposes very easily of the most disagreeable facts.

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

worksnounUS /wɜːrks/

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Readers of poetry see the factory-village and the railway, and fancy that the poetry of the landscape is broken up by these; for these works of art are not yet consecrated in their reading; but the poet sees them fall within the great Order not less than the beehive or the spider's geometrical web.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Besides, in a centred mind, it signifies nothing how many mechanical inventions you exhibit.

Chapter 2 of Essays — Second Series by Ralph Waldo Emerson holds 135 sentences, grouped into 27 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 2 of Essays — Second Series contain?

Chapter 2 holds 135 sentences of Essays — Second Series, unabridged, divided into 27 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of Essays — Second Series by Ralph Waldo Emerson exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 135 sentences, grouped into 27 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 2 of Essays — Second Series?

Work through the 27 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 27 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 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 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 Essays — Second Series

Common questions about reading Essays — Second Series by Ralph Waldo Emerson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Essays — Second Series?

Yes. All 2456 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #2945 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Essays — Second Series is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #2945, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Essays — Second Series take to read?

About 204 minutes of reading across 492 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Essays — Second Series section by section

How to work through Essays — Second Series section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 17 chapters of Essays — Second Series 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 Essays — Second Series

Words and structures a reader meets early in Essays — Second Series, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Moody
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Essays — Second Series; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Child
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Essays — Second Series; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Wildly
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Essays — Second Series; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Pursued
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Essays — Second Series; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.