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The Altar of the Dead
The Altar of the Dead

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Altar of the Dead is here in full — 55 sentences across 11 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Altar of the Dead
Context Illustration Reading 1/11 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.
It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.
Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.
He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for himthe identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.
Given the time that had passed, his recollection of her was fresh enough to make him wonder.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Altar of the Dead

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Altar of the Dead is here in full — 55 sentences across 11 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/11 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.
Line 2
It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.
Line 3
Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.
Line 4
He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for himthe identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.
Line 5
Given the time that had passed, his recollection of her was fresh enough to make him wonder.

All words in this reading · 98

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.

a

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

after

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

altar

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

always

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

an

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

and

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

anniversary

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

appealing

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

arrived

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

as

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

assumed

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

at

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

back

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

be

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

before

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

began

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

born

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

bowed

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

but

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

by

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

came

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

church

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

day

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

departed

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

disappeared

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

done

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

enough

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

From this reading Given the time that had passed, his recollection of her was fresh enough to make him wonder.

Every

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

face

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

faithful

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

first

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

flitting

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

for

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

frequent

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

fresh

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

From this reading Given the time that had passed, his recollection of her was fresh enough to make him wonder.

from

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

Given

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

From this reading Given the time that had passed, his recollection of her was fresh enough to make him wonder.

graveyard

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

great

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

had

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

happened

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

haunted

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

he

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

her

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

From this reading Given the time that had passed, his recollection of her was fresh enough to make him wonder.

him

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

himself

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

his

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

idea

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

identity

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

in

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

intensely

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

It

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

lady

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

least

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

make

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

From this reading Given the time that had passed, his recollection of her was fresh enough to make him wonder.

observe

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

observed

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

occasion

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

of

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

on

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

or

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

Others

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

particular

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

passed

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

possession

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

presence

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

promptitude

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

recognition

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

recollection

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

From this reading Given the time that had passed, his recollection of her was fresh enough to make him wonder.

rest

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

seen

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

so

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

sometimes

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

still

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

surprised

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

that

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

the

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

they

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

this

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

time

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

to

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

tragic

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

two

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

unfailing

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

vague

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

vision

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

walked

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

was

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

went

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

when

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

From this reading Others of the faithful, and in the rest of the church, came and went, appealing sometimes, when they disappeared, to a vague or to a particular recognition; but this unfailing presence was always to be observed when he arrived and still in possession when he departed.

which

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

whom

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

whose

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

with

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

wonder

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

From this reading Given the time that had passed, his recollection of her was fresh enough to make him wonder.

worshipper

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

From this reading It was on this occasion, as it happened, after a year had passed, that he began to observe his altar to be haunted by a worshipper at least as frequent as himself.

year

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

From this reading Every year, the day he walked back from the great graveyard, he went to church as he had done the day his idea was born.

years

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

From this reading He was surprised, the first time, at the promptitude with which it assumed an identity for him—the identity of the lady whom two years before, on his anniversary, he had seen so intensely bowed, and of whose tragic face he had had so flitting a vision.

Chapter 4 of The Altar of the Dead by Henry James holds 55 sentences, grouped into 11 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 4 of The Altar of the Dead contain?

Chapter 4 holds 55 sentences of The Altar of the Dead, unabridged, divided into 11 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of The Altar of the Dead by Henry James exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 55 sentences, grouped into 11 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 4 of The Altar of the Dead?

Work through the 11 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 11 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 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 The Altar of the Dead

Common questions about reading The Altar of the Dead by Henry James on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Altar of the Dead?

Yes. All 642 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #642 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Altar of the Dead is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #642, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Altar of the Dead take to read?

About 53 minutes of reading across 129 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Altar of the Dead section by section

How to work through The Altar of the Dead section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 9 chapters of The Altar of the Dead 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 The Altar of the Dead

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Altar of the Dead, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Mortal
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Altar of the Dead; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Dislike
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Altar of the Dead; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stransom
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Altar of the Dead; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Anniversaries
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Altar of the Dead; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.