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My Young Master: A Novel
My Young Master: A Novel

Chapter XVII

Cover illustration for My Young Master: A Novel
Context Illustration Reading 1/34 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!
At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.
My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.
It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.
But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

My Young Master: A Novel

Chapter XVII

Reading 1/34 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!
Line 2
At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.
Line 3
My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.
Line 4
It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.
Line 5
But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

Dead noun US /dead/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.”

Doctor noun US /doctor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.”

Returned noun US /ˈreturned/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.”

All words in this reading · 115

Every word is available to listen to. 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 At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

absence

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

accustomed

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

air

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

atmosphere

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

From this reading How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!

avail

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

back

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

becoming

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

bondage

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

breath

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!

change

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

From this reading How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!

coming

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

From this reading How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!

constantly

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

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

deadnounUS /dead/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

doctornounUS /doctor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

down

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

draw

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

dripping

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

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

eats

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

education

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

evil

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

eye

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

eyes

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

face

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

fact

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

gave

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

ghastly

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

give

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

grown

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

happiness

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

hated

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

head

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

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

hope

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

How

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

From this reading How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!

humiliate

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

hungry

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

iced

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

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

instant

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

invigorating

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

knowledge

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

learning

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

lime-light

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

longer

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

lot

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

man

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

Miss

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

moment

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

MydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

new

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!

Old

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!

opened

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

opportunity

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

parched

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

person

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

From this reading How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!

progressed

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

put

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

read

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

returnednounUS /ˈreturned/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

roof

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

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

sadness

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

see

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

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

sight

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

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

soured

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

speculation

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

state

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

sting

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

systematic

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading How the coming of one person can change an atmosphere!

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

throw

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

true

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

up

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

water

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

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading At one moment the breath we draw is a new and invigorating hope, the next instant the air is parched and dead--we see an evil eye, a hated face.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading But the sight of the doctor, the fact that he and I were under the same roof, was iced water constantly dripping upon my head.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

whim

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.

wider

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

From this reading My education was not systematic; I read as a hungry man eats; and, as my learning progressed, I began to give myself up to a speculation upon the sadness of my lot in life, my eyes becoming wider and wider opened to the fact that knowledge could avail me nothing, could but throw a lime-light upon my bondage and make it ghastly; but when the doctor returned I looked back at my state of happiness during his absence.

woman

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

From this reading It was true that Old Miss gave over no opportunity to humiliate me, but I had grown so accustomed to this that no longer did it sting me--I put it down as the soured whim of an old woman.