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The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table
The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table

Chapter XI · Chapter 11

Chapter 11 of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table is here in full — 303 sentences across 61 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/60 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
[The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.
It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.
After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.
I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”
Some interesting physiological relation would be naturally suggested.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table

Chapter XI · Chapter 11

Chapter 11 of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table is here in full — 303 sentences across 61 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/60 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
[The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.
Line 2
It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.
Line 3
After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.
Line 4
I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”
Line 5
Some interesting physiological relation would be naturally suggested.

All words in this reading · 125

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 [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

advantage

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

After

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

From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

and

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

answers

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

From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

appears

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

as

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

asked

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

be

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

From this reading Some interesting physiological relation would be naturally suggested.

been

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

being

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

boarders

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

From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

breakfast

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

From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

by

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

call

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

came

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

century

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

certain

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

circulate

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

cited

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

company

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

condemned

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

containing

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

distinguished

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

divinity-student

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

dressing

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

fellow

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

fevers

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

flustered

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

former

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

frivolity

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

from

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

going

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

had

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

handed

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

From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

having

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

historian

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

human

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

I

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

illustrious

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

in

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

indignity

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

inquired

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

insects

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

interesting

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

From this reading Some interesting physiological relation would be naturally suggested.

involving

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

is

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

It

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

John

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

known

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

last

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

late

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

like

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

little

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

longer

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

looked

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

me

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

From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

meaningless

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

moralist

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

more

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

morning

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

much

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

my

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

naturally

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

From this reading Some interesting physiological relation would be naturally suggested.

natures

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

neighbor

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

not

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

occasion

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

of

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

on

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

one

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

or

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

paper

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

From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

passages

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

persons

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

physiological

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

From this reading Some interesting physiological relation would be naturally suggested.

play

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

presence

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

present

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

pun

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

quartan

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

questions

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

quibble

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From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

rather

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From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

reflective

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

relation

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From this reading Some interesting physiological relation would be naturally suggested.

restrained

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From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

roll

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From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

several

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From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

short

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

short-lived

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

show

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From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

small

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From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

so

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From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

some

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From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

sort

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

subjoin

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From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

suggested

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From this reading Some interesting physiological relation would be naturally suggested.

taken

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From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

talk

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

tendency

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

tertian

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

than

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

that

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From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

The

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

their

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

From this reading After breakfast, one of the boarders handed me a small roll of paper containing some of the questions and their answers.

them

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

there

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

they

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

three

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

to

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

two

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

understanding

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

upon

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

usual

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

was

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

were

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

what

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

when

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

From this reading [The company looked a little flustered one morning when I came in,—so much so, that I inquired of my neighbor, the divinity-student,) what had been going on.

which

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

whom

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

Why

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

From this reading I subjoin two or three of them, to show what a tendency there is to frivolity and meaningless talk in young persons of a certain sort, when not restrained by the presence of more reflective natures.—It was asked, “Why tertian and quartan fevers were like certain short-lived insects.”

words

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

would

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

From this reading Some interesting physiological relation would be naturally suggested.

young

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

From this reading It appears that the young fellow whom they call John had taken advantage of my being a little late (I having been rather longer than usual dressing that morning) to circulate several questions involving a quibble or play upon words,—in short, containing that indignity to the human understanding, condemned in the passages from the distinguished moralist of the last century and the illustrious historian of the present, which I cited on a former occasion, and known as a _pun_.

Chapter 11 of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table by Oliver Wendell Holmes holds 303 sentences, grouped into 61 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 11 of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table contain?

Chapter 11 holds 303 sentences of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table, unabridged, divided into 61 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 11 of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table by Oliver Wendell Holmes exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 303 sentences, grouped into 61 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 11 of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table?

Work through the 61 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 61 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 11 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 11 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 Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table

Common questions about reading The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table by Oliver Wendell Holmes on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table?

Yes. All 3590 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #751 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #751, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table take to read?

About 299 minutes of reading across 718 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table section by section

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    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Going
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Interrupted
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Classifying
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Minds
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.