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The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories
The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories is here in full — 199 sentences across 40 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories
Context Illustration Reading 1/39 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.
There was a soft effulgence in the east.
The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.
Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.
Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.
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Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories is here in full — 199 sentences across 40 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/39 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.
Line 2
There was a soft effulgence in the east.
Line 3
The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.
Line 4
Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.
Line 5
Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

Thin adjective US /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading “After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.”

All words in this reading · 81

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 After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

across

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

After

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

all

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

and

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

asked

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

From this reading “Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.

be

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

From this reading Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.

but

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

From this reading Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.

casting

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

coming

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

commanded

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

could

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

course

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

From this reading Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.

danced

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

distant

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

east

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

From this reading There was a soft effulgence in the east.

Edna

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

From this reading Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.

effulgence

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

From this reading There was a soft effulgence in the east.

entreat

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

From this reading Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.

feared

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

From this reading Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.

gallery

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

Gulf

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

had

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

hall

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

he

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

hear

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

From this reading “Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.

her

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

herself

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

husband

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

in

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

it

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

From this reading Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.

its

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

lights

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

like

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

look

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

low

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

Mademoiselle

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

From this reading “Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.

million

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

Monsieur

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

moon

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

Mrs

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

mystic

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

of

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

on

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

once

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

out

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

play

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

From this reading “Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.

Pontellier

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

porch

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

From this reading “Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.

Ratignolle

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

reed

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

Reisz

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

From this reading “Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.

restless

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

Robert

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

seated

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

she

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

shimmer

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

soft

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

From this reading There was a soft effulgence in the east.

swayed

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

tall

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

that

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

the

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

There

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

From this reading There was a soft effulgence in the east.

thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

to

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

From this reading “Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.

toward

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

twice

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

up

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

useless

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

From this reading Of course Edna would like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play; but she feared it would be useless to entreat her.

view

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

was

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

water

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

From this reading The moon was coming up, and its mystic shimmer was casting a million lights across the distant, restless water.

went

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

when

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

where

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

who

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

wind

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

window-sill

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

with

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

From this reading After Mrs. Pontellier had danced twice with her husband, once with Robert, and once with Monsieur Ratignolle, who was thin and tall and swayed like a reed in the wind when he danced, she went out on the gallery and seated herself on the low window-sill, where she commanded a view of all that went on in the hall and could look out toward the Gulf.

Would

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

From this reading “Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.

you

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

From this reading “Would you like to hear Mademoiselle Reisz play?” asked Robert, coming out on the porch where she was.

Chapter 4 of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin holds 199 sentences, grouped into 40 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 Awakening, and Selected Short Stories contain?

Chapter 4 holds 199 sentences of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories, unabridged, divided into 40 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 199 sentences, grouped into 40 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 Awakening, and Selected Short Stories?

Work through the 40 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 40 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 Awakening, and Selected Short Stories

Common questions about reading The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories?

Yes. All 4176 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #160 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #160, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories take to read?

About 348 minutes of reading across 836 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories section by section

How to work through The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 21 chapters of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories 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 Awakening, and Selected Short Stories

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Awakening
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Selected
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Short
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stories
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.