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Sister Carrie: A Novel
Sister Carrie: A Novel

Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

Chapter 23 of Sister Carrie: A Novel is here in full — 334 sentences across 67 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By Theodore Dreiser • Curated US English Learning Edition

Chapter 23 of Sister Carrie: A Novel by Theodore Dreiser holds 334 sentences, grouped into 67 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 23 of Sister Carrie: A Novel contain?

Chapter 23 holds 334 sentences of Sister Carrie: A Novel, unabridged, divided into 67 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 23 of Sister Carrie: A Novel by Theodore Dreiser exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 334 sentences, grouped into 67 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 23 of Sister Carrie: A Novel?

Work through the 67 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 67 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 23 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 23 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 Sister Carrie: A Novel

Common questions about reading Sister Carrie: A Novel by Theodore Dreiser on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Sister Carrie: A Novel?

Yes. All 12837 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #233 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Sister Carrie: A Novel is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #233, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Sister Carrie: A Novel take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2568 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Sister Carrie: A Novel section by section

How to work through Sister Carrie: A Novel section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Sister Carrie: A Novel 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 Sister Carrie: A Novel

Words and structures a reader meets early in Sister Carrie: A Novel, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Caroline
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sister Carrie: A Novel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Meeber
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sister Carrie: A Novel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Boarded
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sister Carrie: A Novel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Afternoon
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sister Carrie: A Novel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Cover illustration for Sister Carrie: A Novel
Context Illustration Reading 1/67 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.
He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.
“Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”
He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.
“She wouldn’t write at all if she didn’t care for me.”
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
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Sister Carrie: A Novel

Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

Chapter 23 of Sister Carrie: A Novel is here in full — 334 sentences across 67 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/67 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.
Line 2
He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.
Line 3
“Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”
Line 4
He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.
Line 5
“She wouldn’t write at all if she didn’t care for me.”

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.

Open verb US /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading “He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.”

Velmora curated lexicon
All words in this reading · 65

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

about

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
after

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
all

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
and

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
as

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

From this reading He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.

Pending verification
at

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
but

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
care

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

From this reading “She wouldn’t write at all if she didn’t care for me.”

Pending verification
Carrie

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
decisive

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
depressed

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
didn't

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

From this reading “She wouldn’t write at all if she didn’t care for me.”

Pending verification
disturbed

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
few

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
first

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
for

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
found

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
from

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
had

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
handwriting

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

From this reading He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.

Pending verification
have

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
Hay

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
he

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
him

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
his

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
Hurstwood

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
if

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

From this reading “She wouldn’t write at all if she didn’t care for me.”

Pending verification
intensely

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

From this reading He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.

Pending verification
It

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
James

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
letter

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
loves

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
McGregor

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
me

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
minutes

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
morning

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
not

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
note

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
noted

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

From this reading He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.

Pending verification
of

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.

Velmora curated lexicon
or

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
rapidly

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

From this reading He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.

Pending verification
receiving

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
recovered

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
returned

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
she

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
slightly

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
soon

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
streets

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
stroll

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
tenor

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

From this reading He was slightly depressed at the tenor of the note for the first few minutes, but soon recovered.

Pending verification
that

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
the

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
Then

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
thought

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
thrilled

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

From this reading He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.

Pending verification
to

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
tore

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

From this reading He thrilled intensely as he noted the handwriting, and rapidly tore it open.

Pending verification
was

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
when

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification
would

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

From this reading “Then,” he thought, “she loves me or she would not have written to me at all.”

Pending verification
wouldn't

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

From this reading “She wouldn’t write at all if she didn’t care for me.”

Pending verification
write

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

From this reading “She wouldn’t write at all if she didn’t care for me.”

Pending verification
written

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

From this reading It was when he returned from his disturbed stroll about the streets, after receiving the decisive note from McGregor, James and Hay, that Hurstwood found the letter Carrie had written him that morning.

Pending verification