Chapter 1 of Moods is here in full — 226 sentences across 46 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
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Chapter I
Chapter 1 of Moods is here in full — 226 sentences across 46 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
_Louisa M. Alcott._ MOODS. LOUISA M. ALCOTT. AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES." "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus." EMERSON.
Chapter 1 of Moods is here in full — 226 sentences across 46 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
Reading 1/45 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5
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.
United States novelist noted for children's books (1832-1888)
From this reading “_Louisa M. Alcott._ MOODS.”
several beads threaded together on a string
From this reading “"Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."”
United States writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882)
From this reading “EMERSON.”
the concentration of attention or energy on something
From this reading “"Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."”
the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
From this reading “"Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."”
plural of “lens” — a transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form images
From this reading “"Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."”
plural of “mood” — a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading “_Louisa M. Alcott._ MOODS.”
plural of “sketch” — preliminary drawing for later elaboration
From this reading “AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES."”
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.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
United States novelist noted for children's books (1832-1888)
From this reading _Louisa M. Alcott._ MOODS.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
several beads threaded together on a string
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
United States writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882)
From this reading EMERSON.
the concentration of attention or energy on something
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
a young female
From this reading AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
a health facility where patients receive treatment
From this reading AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
plural of “lens” — a transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form images
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Louisa M. Alcott._ MOODS.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading _Louisa M. Alcott._ MOODS.
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 "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
plural of “mood” — a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading _Louisa M. Alcott._ MOODS.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
out of fashion
From this reading AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
and nothing more
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
have ownership or possession of
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
make a painting
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
go across or through
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
be shown or be found to be
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
plural of “sketch” — preliminary drawing for later elaboration
From this reading AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
a lightweight cord
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
create by training and teaching
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading AUTHOR OF "LITTLE WOMEN," "AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," "HOSPITAL SKETCHES."
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading "Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
Chapter 1 of Moods by Louisa May Alcott holds 226 sentences, grouped into 46 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, 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.
Chapter 1 holds 226 sentences of Moods, unabridged, divided into 46 reading sections.
This page carries chapter 1 of Moods by Louisa May Alcott exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 226 sentences, grouped into 46 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.
Work through the 46 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.
Each of the 46 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.
Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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.
Common questions about reading Moods by Louisa May Alcott on this page, its source edition and its audio.
Yes. All 3703 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #28203 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.
Project Gutenberg eBook #28203, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.
About 308 minutes of reading across 741 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.
How to work through Moods section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.
Choose one of the 21 chapters of Moods to begin.
Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.
Words and structures a reader meets early in Moods, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.
