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Poor Folk
Poor Folk

Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

Chapter 16 of Poor Folk is here in full — 156 sentences across 32 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/31 · 5 lines
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MAKAR DIEVUSHKIN.
September 19th.
MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.
Glory be to God, for this means a large amount of work to do.
Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Poor Folk

Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

Chapter 16 of Poor Folk is here in full — 156 sentences across 32 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/31 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
MAKAR DIEVUSHKIN.
Line 2
September 19th.
Line 3
MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.
Line 4
Glory be to God, for this means a large amount of work to do.
/ˈɡlɔːri biː tuː ɡɑːd fɔːr ðɪs miːnz ə lɑːrdʒ əˈmaʊnt ʌv wɜːrk tuː duː/
Line 5
Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

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.

beloved adjective US /bɪˈlʌvd/

dearly loved

From this reading “MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.”

carelessly adverb US /ˈkerləsli/

without care or concern

From this reading “Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.”

copy noun US /ˈkɑːpi/

a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)

From this reading “Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.”

hasten verb US /ˈheɪsən/

act or move at high speed

From this reading “MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.”

manuscript noun US /ˈmæn.jə.skrɪpt/

A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.

From this reading “MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.”

September noun US /sepˈtembər/

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading “September 19th.”

submitted verb US /səbˈmɪtɪd/

inflected form of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading “MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.”

writer noun US /ˈraɪtər/

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading “MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.”

All words in this reading · 56

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.

19th

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

From this reading September 19th.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

ALEXIEVNA

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

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

amountnounUS /əˈmaʊnt/

a quantity of money

From this reading Glory be to God, for this means a large amount of work to do.

BARBARA

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

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Glory be to God, for this means a large amount of work to do.

BELOVEDadjectiveUS /bɪˈlʌvd/

dearly loved

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

carelesslyadverbUS /ˈkerləsli/

without care or concern

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

copynounUS /ˈkɑːpi/

a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

DIEVUSHKIN

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

From this reading MAKAR DIEVUSHKIN.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

GlorynounUS /ˈɡlɔːri/

a state of high honor

From this reading Glory be to God, for this means a large amount of work to do.

GodnounUS /ɡɑːd/

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading Glory be to God, for this means a large amount of work to do.

hardlyadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdli/

only a very short time before

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

hastenounUS /heɪst/

overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

hastenverbUS /ˈheɪsən/

act or move at high speed

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

how

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

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

latteradjectiveUS /ˈlætər/

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

MAKAR

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

From this reading MAKAR DIEVUSHKIN.

manuscriptnounUS /ˈmæn.jə.skrɪpt/

A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

mepronounUS /miː/

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

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

meansnounUS /miːnz/

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

From this reading Glory be to God, for this means a large amount of work to do.

MYdeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Glory be to God, for this means a large amount of work to do.

originaladjectiveUS /ərˈɪdʒənəl/

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

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

Rataziaev

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

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

SeptembernounUS /sepˈtembər/

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading September 19th.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

submittedverbUS /səbˈmɪtɪd/

inflected form of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

tasknounUS /tæsk/

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Glory be to God, for this means a large amount of work to do.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

wantedadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːntɪd/

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

writernounUS /ˈraɪtər/

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

YetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet, though the copy is wanted in haste, the original is so carelessly written that I hardly know how to set about my task.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading MY BELOVED BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,--I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer--the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.

Chapter 16 of Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoyevsky holds 156 sentences, grouped into 32 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 16 of Poor Folk contain?

Chapter 16 holds 156 sentences of Poor Folk, unabridged, divided into 32 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 16 of Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoyevsky exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 156 sentences, grouped into 32 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 16 of Poor Folk?

Work through the 32 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 32 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 16 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 16 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 Poor Folk

Common questions about reading Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoyevsky on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Poor Folk?

Yes. All 3043 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #2302 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Poor Folk is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #2302, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Poor Folk take to read?

About 253 minutes of reading across 609 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Poor Folk section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 17 chapters of Poor Folk 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 Poor Folk

Words and structures a reader meets early in Poor Folk, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Dearest
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Poor Folk; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Barbara
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Poor Folk; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Alexievna
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Poor Folk; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Happy
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Poor Folk; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.