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The Sphinx
The Sphinx

Chapter IX · Chapter 9

Chapter 9 of The Sphinx is here in full — 102 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/20 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.
It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.
We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.
It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.
We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Sphinx

Chapter IX · Chapter 9

Chapter 9 of The Sphinx is here in full — 102 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/20 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.
Line 2
It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.
/ɪt wɑːz ˈnesəseri ˌhaʊˈevər tuː ækt wɪð dɪˈsɪʒən ənd ˈpiːtərz ənd ˌmaɪˈself went əˈpɑːn dek/
Line 3
We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.
Line 4
It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.
/ɪt wɑːz ˈoʊnli ˈpɑːrʃəli kloʊzd priˈkɔːʃənz ˈhævɪŋ bɪn ˈteɪkən tuː prɪˈvent ɪts ˈbiːɪŋ ˈsʌdənli pʊʃt tuː frʌm wɪˈθaʊt baɪ miːnz ʌv ˈpleɪsɪŋ ˈbɪləts ʌv wʊd ɑːn ðə ˈʌpər step soʊ æz tuː ˌɪntərˈfɪr wɪð ðə ˈʃʌtɪŋ/
Line 5
We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.
/wiː faʊnd noʊ ˈdɪfəkəlti ɪn ˈɡetɪŋ ə fʊl vjuː ʌv ðə ˌɪnˈtɪriər ʌv ðə ˈkæbən θruː ðə kræks wer ðə ˈhɪndʒɪz wɜːr pleɪst/

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.

billets noun US /ˈbɪləts/

plural of “billet” — a short personal letter

From this reading “It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.”

cracks noun US /kræks/

plural of “crack” — a long narrow opening

From this reading “We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.”

fragment noun US /ˈfræɡ.mənt/

A small part broken or separated off something larger.

From this reading “As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.”

hinges noun US /ˈhɪndʒɪz/

plural of “hinge” — a joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other

From this reading “We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.”

Peters noun US /ˈpiːtərz/

plural of “peter” — disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading “It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.”

precautions noun US /priˈkɔːʃənz/

plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading “It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.”

representing verb US /ˌreprɪˈzentɪŋ/

-ing form of “represent” — take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading “As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.”

viewed verb US /vjuːd/

past form of “view” — deem to be

From this reading “As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.”

All words in this reading · 102

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

actverbUS /ækt/

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

awenounUS /ɑː/

an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

battle-lantern

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

billetsnounUS /ˈbɪləts/

plural of “billet” — a short personal letter

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

bulwarks

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

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

cabinnounUS /ˈkæbən/

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

closedadjectiveUS /kloʊzd/

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

companion-way

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

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

cracksnounUS /kræks/

plural of “crack” — a long narrow opening

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

creptverbUS /krept/

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

decisionnounUS /dɪˈsɪʒən/

the act of making up your mind about something

From this reading It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.

decknounUS /dek/

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.

difficultynounUS /ˈdɪfəkəlti/

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

dimadjectiveUS /dɪm/

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

fragmentnounUS /ˈfræɡ.mənt/

A small part broken or separated off something larger.

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

gettingnounUS /ˈɡetɪŋ/

the act of acquiring something

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

goverbUS /ɡoʊ/

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

hingesnounUS /ˈhɪndʒɪz/

plural of “hinge” — a joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.

hungverbUS /hʌŋ/

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

impressedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprest/

deeply or markedly affected or influenced

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

interfereverbUS /ˌɪntərˈfɪr/

come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

keepingnounUS /ˈkiːpɪŋ/

conformity or harmony

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

looking-glass

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

meansnounUS /miːnz/

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

necessaryadjectiveUS /ˈnesəseri/

absolutely essential

From this reading It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

partiallyadverbUS /ˈpɑːrʃəli/

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

PetersnounUS /ˈpiːtərz/

plural of “peter” — disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.

placedadjectiveUS /pleɪst/

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

placingverbUS /ˈpleɪsɪŋ/

-ing form of “place” — put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

precautionsnounUS /priˈkɔːʃənz/

plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

preventverbUS /prɪˈvent/

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

pushedverbUS /pʊʃt/

past form of “push” — move with force

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

realitynounUS /ˌriːˈælətiː/

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

recollectionnounUS /ˌrekəˈlekʃən/

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

representingverbUS /ˌreprɪˈzentɪŋ/

-ing form of “represent” — take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

resolutionnounUS /ˌrezəˈluːʃən/

a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

safeadjectiveUS /seɪf/

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

scarcelyadverbUS /ˈskersli/

only a very short time before

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

seizedverbUS /siːzd/

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

sensenounUS /sens/

a general conscious awareness

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

shuttingnounUS /ˈʃʌtɪŋ/

the act of closing something

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

stepnounUS /step/

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

suddenlyadverbUS /ˈsʌdənli/

happening unexpectedly

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

summonverbUS /ˈsʌmən/

call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

terrificadjectiveUS /tərˈɪfɪk/

very great or intense

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

thusadverbUS /ðʌs/

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

tremour

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.

upperadjectiveUS /ˈʌpər/

the topmost one of two

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

vagueadjectiveUS /veɪɡ/

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

viewnounUS /vjuː/

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

viewedverbUS /vjuːd/

past form of “view” — deem to be

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

violentadjectiveUS /ˈvaɪələnt/

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

WepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We there found everything safe, and, keeping close to the bulwarks, the three of us crept to the cabin companion-way.

wentverbUS /went/

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading It was necessary, however, to act with decision, and Peters and myself went upon deck.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading We found no difficulty in getting a full view of the interior of the cabin through the cracks where the hinges were placed.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading As I viewed myself in a fragment of looking-glass which hung up in the cabin, and by the dim light of a kind of battle-lantern, I was so impressed with a sense of vague awe at my appearance, and at the recollection of the terrific reality which I was thus representing, that I was seized with a violent tremour, and could scarcely summon resolution to go on with my part.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

woodnounUS /wʊd/

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading It was only partially closed, precautions having been taken to prevent its being suddenly pushed to from without, by means of placing billets of wood on the upper step so as to interfere with the shutting.

Chapter 9 of The Sphinx by Edgar Allan Poe holds 102 sentences, grouped into 21 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 9 of The Sphinx contain?

Chapter 9 holds 102 sentences of The Sphinx, unabridged, divided into 21 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 9 of The Sphinx by Edgar Allan Poe exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 102 sentences, grouped into 21 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 9 of The Sphinx?

Work through the 21 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 21 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.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 9 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.

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Is this the complete text of The Sphinx?

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Which edition of The Sphinx is used?

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

How long does The Sphinx take to read?

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Vocabulary met early in The Sphinx

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Sphinx, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
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Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
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