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Middlemarch
Middlemarch

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Middlemarch is here in full — 484 sentences across 97 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/96 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.
—_The Maid’s Tragedy:_ BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.
Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.
Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.
She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Middlemarch

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Middlemarch is here in full — 484 sentences across 97 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/96 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.
Line 2
—_The Maid’s Tragedy:_ BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.
Line 3
Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.
Line 4
Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.
Line 5
She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

All words in this reading · 102

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

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

a

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

addition

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

AND

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

From this reading —_The Maid’s Tragedy:_ BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.

appeared

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

as

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

at

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

bare

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

be

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

bearing

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

BEAUMONT

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

From this reading —_The Maid’s Tragedy:_ BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.

beauty

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

because

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

being

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

Bible

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

Blessed

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

Brooke

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

but

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

by

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

can

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

Celia

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

clever

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

common-sense

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

constantly

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

could

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

dignity

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

do

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

dress

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

elder

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

fashion

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

fine

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

finely

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

FLETCHER

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

From this reading —_The Maid’s Tragedy:_ BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.

formed

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

from

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

gain

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

garments

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

gave

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

good

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

had

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

hand

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

Her

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

I

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

impressiveness

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

in

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

into

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

is

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

it

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

Italian

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

kind

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

less

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

Maid's

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

From this reading —_The Maid’s Tragedy:_ BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.

Miss

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

more

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

near

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

newspaper

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

no

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

not

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

of

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

one

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

or

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

our

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

painters

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

paragraph

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

plain

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

poets

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

poor

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

profile

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

provincial

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

quotation

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

Reach

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

relief

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

remarkably

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

seemed

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

seems

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

she

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

side

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

Since

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

sister

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

sleeves

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

so

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

something

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

spoken

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

stature

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

style

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

than

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

that

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

The

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

From this reading —_The Maid’s Tragedy:_ BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.

those

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

thrown

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

to

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

to-day's

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

Tragedy

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

From this reading —_The Maid’s Tragedy:_ BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.

usually

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

Virgin

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

was

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

wear

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

well

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

were

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

which

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

From this reading Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

with

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

From this reading She was usually spoken of as being remarkably clever, but with the addition that her sister Celia had more common-sense.

woman

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

From this reading Since I can do no good because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it.

wrist

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

From this reading Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day’s newspaper.

Chapter 2 of Middlemarch by George Eliot holds 484 sentences, grouped into 97 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 Middlemarch contain?

Chapter 2 holds 484 sentences of Middlemarch, unabridged, divided into 97 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of Middlemarch by George Eliot exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 484 sentences, grouped into 97 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 Middlemarch?

Work through the 97 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 97 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 Middlemarch

Common questions about reading Middlemarch by George Eliot on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Middlemarch?

Yes. All 14163 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #145 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Middlemarch is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #145, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Middlemarch take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2833 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Middlemarch section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Middlemarch 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 Middlemarch

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

Finale
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Middlemarch; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Prelude
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Middlemarch; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Cares
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Middlemarch; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
History
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Middlemarch; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.