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Notes from the Underground
Notes from the Underground

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Notes from the Underground is here in full — 6 sentences across 2 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Notes from the Underground
Context Illustration Reading 1/1 · 6 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 6
* The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.
Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.
I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.
He is one of the representatives of a generation still living.
In this fragment, entitled Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.
In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Notes from the Underground

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Notes from the Underground is here in full — 6 sentences across 2 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/1 · 6 reading units · Lines 1–6

Line 1
* The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.
Line 2
Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.
Line 3
I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.
Line 4
He is one of the representatives of a generation still living.
Line 5
In this fragment, entitledUnderground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.
Line 6
In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

Fragment noun US /ˈfræɡ.mənt/

A small part broken or separated off something larger.

From this reading “In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.”

All words in this reading · 89

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 He is one of the representatives of a generation still living.

actual

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

From this reading In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

added

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

From this reading In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

and

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

From this reading * The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.

appearance

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

are

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

From this reading * The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.

as

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

author

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

From this reading * The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.

AUTHOR'S

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

From this reading In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

bound

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

but

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

causes

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

certain

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

From this reading In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

characters

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

circumstances

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

clear

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

commonly

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

concerning

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

From this reading In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

consider

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

course

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

From this reading * The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.

diary

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

From this reading * The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.

distinctly

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

done

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

entitled

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

events

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

From this reading In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

exist

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

explain

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

expose

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

formed

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

fragmentnounUS /ˈfræɡ.mənt/

A small part broken or separated off something larger.

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

generation

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

From this reading He is one of the representatives of a generation still living.

has

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

have

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

He

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

From this reading He is one of the representatives of a generation still living.

himself

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

his

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

I

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

imaginary

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

From this reading * The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.

in

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

introduces

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

is

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

it

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

itself

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

From this reading * The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.

life

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

From this reading In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

living

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

From this reading He is one of the representatives of a generation still living.

made

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

make

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

may

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

midst

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

more

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

must

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

Nevertheless

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

not

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

NOTE

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

From this reading In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

notes

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

of

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

From this reading * The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.

one

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

only

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

our

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

owing

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

past

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

person

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

persons

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

positively

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

public

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

recent

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

representatives

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

From this reading He is one of the representatives of a generation still living.

second

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

From this reading In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

society

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

still

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

From this reading He is one of the representatives of a generation still living.

such

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

than

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

that

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

The

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

From this reading * The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary.

there

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

From this reading In the second fragment there are added the actual notes of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.

these

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

this

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

to

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

tried

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

tries

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

Underground

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

view

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

From this reading I have tried to expose to the view of the public more distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent past.

views

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

was

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

we

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

were

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

From this reading In this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance in our midst.

when

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

which

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

writer

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed.

Chapter 1 of Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky holds 6 sentences, grouped into 2 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 1 of Notes from the Underground contain?

Chapter 1 holds 6 sentences of Notes from the Underground, unabridged, divided into 2 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 6 sentences, grouped into 2 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 1 of Notes from the Underground?

Work through the 2 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 2 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 1 be read aloud to me?

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.

Questions about reading Notes from the Underground

Common questions about reading Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Notes from the Underground?

Yes. All 2510 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #600 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Notes from the Underground is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #600, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Notes from the Underground take to read?

About 209 minutes of reading across 502 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Notes from the Underground section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 3 chapters of Notes from the Underground 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 Notes from the Underground

Words and structures a reader meets early in Notes from the Underground, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Notes from the Underground; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Diary
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Notes from the Underground; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Itself
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Notes from the Underground; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Course
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Notes from the Underground; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.