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Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Oscar Wilde is here in full — 1166 sentences across 234 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Oscar Wilde
Context Illustration Reading 1/233 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:
Underscores indicate _italics_ Double colons indicate ::underlining::
Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.
For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.
Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.
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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.

Oscar Wilde

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Oscar Wilde is here in full — 1166 sentences across 234 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/233 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:
Line 2
Underscores indicate _italics_ Double colons indicate ::underlining::
Line 3
Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.
Line 4
For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.
Line 5
Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

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.

accessible adjective US /ækˈsesəbəl/

capable of being reached

From this reading “For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.”

electronic adjective US /ˌɪlekˈtrɑːnɪk/

of or relating to electronics; concerned with or using devices that operate on principles governing the behavior of electrons

From this reading “For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.”

formatting noun US /ˈfɔːrmætɪŋ/

the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing)

From this reading “In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:”

Inconsistencies noun US /ˌɪŋˈkɑːnsɪstensiz/

plural of “inconsistency” — the relation between propositions that cannot both be true at the same time

From this reading “Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.”

italics noun US /aɪˈtælɪks/

plural of “italic” — a style of handwriting with the letters slanting to the right

symbols noun US /ˈsɪmbəlz/

plural of “symbol” — an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance

From this reading “In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:”

underlining verb US /ˈʌndərlaɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “underline” — give extra weight to (a communication)

From this reading “Underscores indicate _italics_ Double colons indicate ::underlining::”

Underscores noun US /ˌʌndərˈskɔːrz/

plural of “underscore” — a line drawn underneath (especially under written matter)

From this reading “Underscores indicate _italics_ Double colons indicate ::underlining::”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

original text adjective + noun

In this reading “Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.”

All words in this reading · 54

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.

313

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

From this reading Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.

315

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

From this reading Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.

accentnounUS /əkˈsent/

distinctive manner of oral expression

From this reading Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

accessibleadjectiveUS /ækˈsesəbəl/

capable of being reached

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:

author'snounUS /ˈɔːθərz/

possessive form of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

booknounUS /bʊk/

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

colons

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

From this reading Underscores indicate _italics_ Double colons indicate ::underlining::

columnsnounUS /ˈkɑːləmz/

plural of “column” — a line of units following one after another

From this reading Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.

devicesnounUS /dɪˈvaɪsəz/

an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase “left to your own devices”

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/

something intended to communicate a particular impression

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

DoubleverbUS /ˈdʌbəl/

increase twofold

From this reading Underscores indicate _italics_ Double colons indicate ::underlining::

electronicadjectiveUS /ˌɪlekˈtrɑːnɪk/

of or relating to electronics; concerned with or using devices that operate on principles governing the behavior of electrons

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

followsverbUS /ˈfɑːloʊz/

third-person singular of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

formattingnounUS /ˈfɔːrmætɪŋ/

the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing)

From this reading In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

hyphens

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

From this reading Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:

InconsistenciesnounUS /ˌɪŋˈkɑːnsɪstensiz/

plural of “inconsistency” — the relation between propositions that cannot both be true at the same time

From this reading Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

indicateverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪt/

be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading Underscores indicate _italics_ Double colons indicate ::underlining::

insteadadverbUS /ˌɪnˈsted/

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

italicsnounUS /aɪˈtælɪks/

plural of “italic” — a style of handwriting with the letters slanting to the right

From this reading Underscores indicate _italics_ Double colons indicate ::underlining::

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

marksnounUS /mɑːrks/

English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)

From this reading Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

originaladjectiveUS /ərˈɪdʒənəl/

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

PagesnounUS /ˈpeɪdʒəz/

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.

placedadjectiveUS /pleɪst/

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

plain-text

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

From this reading In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:

printedverbUS /ˈprɪntɪd/

past form of “print” — put into print

From this reading Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.

purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

side-by-side

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

From this reading For purposes of more accessible display on electronic devices, in this plain-text version of the book, the text from the columns has been placed one following the other instead of side-by-side.

symbolsnounUS /ˈsɪmbəlz/

plural of “symbol” — an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance

From this reading In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:

textnounUS /tekst/

the words of something written

From this reading Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Pages 313-315 in the original text are printed in two columns.

unchangedadjectiveUS /ənˈtʃeɪndʒd/

not made or become different

From this reading Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

underliningverbUS /ˈʌndərlaɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “underline” — give extra weight to (a communication)

From this reading Underscores indicate _italics_ Double colons indicate ::underlining::

UnderscoresnounUS /ˌʌndərˈskɔːrz/

plural of “underscore” — a line drawn underneath (especially under written matter)

From this reading Underscores indicate _italics_ Double colons indicate ::underlining::

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading Inconsistencies in the author's use of hyphens and accent marks have been left unchanged, as in the original text.

usedadjectiveUS /juːzd/

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:

versionnounUS /ˈvɜːrʒən/

an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint

From this reading In this plain-text version formatting symbols are used as follows:

Chapter 1 of Oscar Wilde by Guy Thorne holds 1166 sentences, grouped into 234 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.

What does chapter 1 of Oscar Wilde contain?

Chapter 1 holds 1166 sentences of Oscar Wilde, unabridged, divided into 234 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Oscar Wilde by Guy Thorne exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 1166 sentences, grouped into 234 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 Oscar Wilde?

Work through the 234 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 234 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 Oscar Wilde

Common questions about reading Oscar Wilde by Guy Thorne on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Oscar Wilde?

Yes. All 4358 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #38251 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Oscar Wilde is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #38251, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Oscar Wilde take to read?

About 363 minutes of reading across 872 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Oscar Wilde section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 8 chapters of Oscar Wilde 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 Oscar Wilde

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

Plain-text
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Oscar Wilde; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Version
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Oscar Wilde; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Formatting
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Oscar Wilde; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Symbols
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Oscar Wilde; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.