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The Gold-Bug
The Gold-Bug

Chapter I · Part 01: Sullivan's Island & The Scarabaeus

Read and study this complete chapter with synchronized narration, pronunciation, and vocabulary support.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/2 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.
He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.
To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.
This island is a very singular one.
It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Gold-Bug

Chapter I · Part 01: Sullivan's Island & The Scarabaeus

Study this chapter through synchronized reading, listening, pronunciation, and contextual vocabulary.

Reading 1/2 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.
Line 2
He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.
Line 3
To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.
Line 4
This island is a very singular one.
Line 5
It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

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.

Ancient adjective US /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading “He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.”

All words in this reading · 69

Every word is available to listen to. 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 Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

about

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

ago

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

an

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

and

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

at

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

avoid

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

been

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

but

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

Carolina

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

city

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

comparative

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

consequent

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

consists

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

contracted

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

disasters

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

else

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

family

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

forefathers

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

had

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

He

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

him

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

his

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

Huguenot

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

I

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

intimacy

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

is

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

From this reading This island is a very singular one.

Island

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

It

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

left

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

Legrand

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

little

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

long

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

Many

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

miles

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

misfortunes

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

mortification

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

Mr

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

near

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

New

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

of

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

once

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

one

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

From this reading This island is a very singular one.

Orleans

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

poverty

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

reduced

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

residence

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

sand

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

sea

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

series

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

singular

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

From this reading This island is a very singular one.

South

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

Sullivan's

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

than

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

the

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

This

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

From this reading This island is a very singular one.

three

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

From this reading It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long.

to

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

took

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

up

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

upon

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

From this reading To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

very

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

From this reading This island is a very singular one.

was

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

wealthy

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

From this reading He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to comparative poverty.

William

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

with

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

years

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

From this reading Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand.

Chapter Quiz

Use these questions to verify literal comprehension before continuing to the next chapter.

What is the central focus and narrative progression in 'Part 01: Sullivan's Island & The Scarabaeus'?

How does the narrator establish the atmosphere and intellectual tone in this section?

What pedagogical insight can an advanced English scholar derive from this passage?