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Representative Plays by American Dramatists
Representative Plays by American Dramatists

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Representative Plays by American Dramatists is here in full — 421 sentences across 85 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/84 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
(Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.
It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.
It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.
And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.
It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Representative Plays by American Dramatists

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Representative Plays by American Dramatists is here in full — 421 sentences across 85 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/84 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
(Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.
Line 2
It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.
Line 3
It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.
/ɪt wɑːz ə pleɪ ðæt ʃoʊd ə vaɪˈtæləti wɪtʃ wɪl sɜːrv tuː kiːp ɪt əˈlaɪv fɔːr ˈmeni ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃənz wɪtʃ wɪl meɪk ɪt ˈwelkəm ˌhaʊˈevər ˈɔːfən ɪt ɪz rɪˈvaɪvd fɔːr ðer ɪz ə ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl ˌɪmˈpɔːrt tuː ɪts ˈsætaɪər wɪtʃ ˈreɪzəz ɪt əˈbʌv ðə ˈloʊkəl ˈsoʊʃəl kənˈdɪʃən ɪt pərˈpɔːrts tuː pɔːrˈtreɪ/
Line 4
And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.
/ənd ðoʊ ðer ɪz ˈnʌθɪŋ ʌv æn aɪˈdiːl ˈkerɪktər əˈbaʊt ɪts ˌsɪtʃuːˈeɪʃənz ðoʊ ɪt siːmz tuː biː ɔːl hed wɪð ə ˈmɪnəməm ʌv əˈperənt hɑːrt ɪt nʌn ðə les ɪz ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl ɪn ðə sens ðæt ˌrestərˈeɪʃən ˈkɑːmədi ɪz ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl/
Line 5
It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

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.

comparable adjective US /ˈkɑːmpərəbəl/

able to be compared or worthy of comparison

From this reading “It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.”

Lyric adjective US /ˈlɪrɪk/

expressing deep emotion

From this reading “(Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.”

minimum noun US /ˈmɪnəməm/

the smallest possible quantity

From this reading “And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.”

playwright noun US /ˈpleɪraɪt/

someone who writes plays

From this reading “It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.”

portray verb US /pɔːrˈtreɪ/

portray in words

From this reading “It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.”

purports noun US /pərˈpɔːrts/

plural of “purport” — the intended meaning of a communication

From this reading “It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.”

vulgarity noun US /vəlˈɡerɪti/

the quality of lacking taste and refinement

From this reading “It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.”

Wilde noun US /waɪld/

Irish writer and wit (1854-1900)

From this reading “It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.”

All words in this reading · 119

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.

17

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

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

1862

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

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

19

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

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

1906

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

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/

possessing life

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

AmericannounUS /əˈmerəkən/

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

AndconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

apparentadjectiveUS /əˈperənt/

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

bestnounUS /best/

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

BornadjectiveUS /bɔːrn/

brought into existence

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

brilliancynoun

a quality that outshines the usual

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

clearverbUS /klɪr/

rid of obstructions

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

coldadjectiveUS /koʊld/

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

comedynounUS /ˈkɑːmədi/

light and humorous drama with a happy ending

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

commonadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmən/

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

comparableadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmpərəbəl/

able to be compared or worthy of comparison

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

conditionnounUS /kənˈdɪʃən/

a state at a particular time

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

Congrevenoun

English playwright remembered for his comedies (1670-1729)

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

dialoguenounUS /ˈdaɪəlɔːɡ/

a conversation between two persons

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

distinguishedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

dramanounUS /ˈdrɑːmə/

a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

EuropeannounUS /ˌjʊrəˈpiːən/

a native or inhabitant of Europe

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

eventsnounUS /ɪˈvents/

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

exceptionaladjectiveUS /ɪkˈsepʃənəl/

far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/

the month following January and preceding March

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

generationsnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

headnounUS /hed/

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

heartnounUS /hɑːrt/

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

IdeanounUS /aɪˈdiːə/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

idealadjectiveUS /aɪˈdiːl/

conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

importnounUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrt/

commodities (goods or services) bought from a foreign country

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

keepverbUS /kiːp/

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

literaryadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəreri/

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

LyricadjectiveUS /ˈlɪrɪk/

expressing deep emotion

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

minimumnounUS /ˈmɪnəməm/

the smallest possible quantity

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

modelsnounUS /ˈmɑːdəlz/

plural of “model” — a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

NewadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

nonepronounUS /nʌn/

not one, and not any

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

NovembernounUS /noʊˈvembər/

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

OscarnounUS /ˈɔːskər/

an annual award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievements in motion picture production and performance

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

PanounUS /pɑː/

an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

periodnounUS /ˈpɪriəd/

an amount of time

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

PhiladelphianounUS /ˌfɪləˈdelfiə/

the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

playverbUS /pleɪ/

participate in games or sport

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

playwrightnounUS /ˈpleɪraɪt/

someone who writes plays

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

portrayverbUS /pɔːrˈtreɪ/

portray in words

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

presentsnounUS /ˈprezənts/

plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

purportsnounUS /pərˈpɔːrts/

plural of “purport” — the intended meaning of a communication

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

raisesnounUS /ˈreɪzəz/

plural of “raise” — the amount a salary is increased

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

rareadjectiveUS /rer/

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

RestorationnounUS /ˌrestərˈeɪʃən/

the reign of Charles II in England; 1660-1685

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

revealedverbUS /rɪˈviːld/

past form of “reveal” — make visible

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

revivedadjectiveUS /rɪˈvaɪvd/

restored to consciousness or life or vigor

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

satirenounUS /ˈsætaɪər/

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

scintillatingadjective

brilliantly clever

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

seemsverbUS /siːmz/

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

sensenounUS /sens/

a general conscious awareness

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

serveverbUS /sɜːrv/

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

SheridannounUS /ˈʃerɪdən/

Irish playwright remembered for his satirical comedies of manners (1751-1816)

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

situationsnounUS /ˌsɪtʃuːˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “situation” — the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

socialadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊʃəl/

relating to human society and its members

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

spiritnounUS /ˈspɪrət/

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

sportingadjectiveUS /ˈspɔːrtɪŋ/

exhibiting or calling for sportsmanship or fair play

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

stylenounUS /staɪl/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

TheatrenounUS /ˈθiːətər/

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading And though there is nothing of an ideal character about its situations, though it seems to be all head, with a minimum of apparent heart, it none the less is universal in the sense that Restoration comedy is universal.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

typenounUS /taɪp/

a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

universaladjectiveUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl/

of worldwide scope or applicability

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

vitalitynounUS /vaɪˈtæləti/

an energetic style

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

vulgaritynounUS /vəlˈɡerɪti/

the quality of lacking taste and refinement

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

welcomeverbUS /ˈwelkəm/

accept gladly

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

WildenounUS /waɪld/

Irish writer and wit (1854-1900)

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading It was a play that showed a vitality which will serve to keep it alive for many generations, which will make it welcome, however often it is revived; for there is a universal import to its satire which raises it above the local, social condition it purports to portray.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading It revealed the fact that at last an American playwright had written a drama comparable with the very best European models, scintillating with clear, cold brilliancy, whose dialogue carried with it an exceptional literary style.

Wycherleynoun

English playwright noted for his humorous and satirical plays (1640-1716)

From this reading It presents a type of vulgarity, of sporting spirit, that is common in every generation, whether in the time of Congreve and Wycherley, whether in the period of Sheridan or Oscar Wilde.

YorknounUS /jɔːrk/

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading (Born Philadelphia, Pa., February 17, 1862) The performance of "The New York Idea" at the Lyric Theatre, New York, on November 19, 1906, was one of the rare, distinguished events in the American Theatre.

Chapter 1 of Representative Plays by American Dramatists by Langdon Elwyn Mitchell holds 421 sentences, grouped into 85 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 Representative Plays by American Dramatists contain?

Chapter 1 holds 421 sentences of Representative Plays by American Dramatists, unabridged, divided into 85 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Representative Plays by American Dramatists by Langdon Elwyn Mitchell exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 421 sentences, grouped into 85 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 Representative Plays by American Dramatists?

Work through the 85 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 85 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 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.

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Common questions about reading Representative Plays by American Dramatists by Langdon Elwyn Mitchell on this page, its source edition and its audio.

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Project Gutenberg eBook #25565, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

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About 322 minutes of reading across 774 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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How to work through Representative Plays by American Dramatists section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

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Vocabulary met early in Representative Plays by American Dramatists

Words and structures a reader meets early in Representative Plays by American Dramatists, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Philadelphia
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Representative Plays by American Dramatists; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
February
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Representative Plays by American Dramatists; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Performance
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Representative Plays by American Dramatists; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Lyric
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Representative Plays by American Dramatists; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.