Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Contrast
The Contrast

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Contrast is here in full — 173 sentences across 35 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Contrast
Context Illustration Reading 1/34 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
INTRODUCTION.
THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.
Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]
A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.
Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.
0:00 / 0:00
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 Contrast

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Contrast is here in full — 173 sentences across 35 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/34 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
INTRODUCTION.
Line 2
THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.
Line 3
Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]
Line 4
A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.
Line 5
Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

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.

Manuscript noun US /ˈmæn.jə.skrɪpt/

A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.

From this reading “Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.”

All words in this reading · 87

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.

1

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

1759

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

1765

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

a

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

actors

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

after

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

American

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

and

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

at

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

auspices

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

author's

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

authors

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

Barnabas

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

been

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

being

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

Bidwell

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

but

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

by

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

called

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

College

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

comedy

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

company

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

Contrast

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

copy

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

death

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

does

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

Dr

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

Dunlap

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

ever

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

Ezra

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

first

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

from

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

Godfrey

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

had

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

Hallam's

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

have

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

having

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

heard

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

in

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

INTRODUCTION

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

From this reading INTRODUCTION.

is

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

it

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

manuscriptnounUS /ˈmæn.jə.skrɪpt/

A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

Match

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

mention

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

Mercenary

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

more

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

native

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

not

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

noteworthy

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

of

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

offered

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

one

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

or

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

Parthia

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

performed

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

Philadelphia

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

play

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

plays

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

President

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

previously

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

Prince

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

printed

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

probably

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

produced

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

professional

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

public

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

published

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

read

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

Rev

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

said

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

Several

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

speaks

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

students

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

Styles

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

THE

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

Thomas

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

to

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

tragedy

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

two

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

under

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

was

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

From this reading THE 'Contrast' was the first American play ever performed in public by a company of professional actors.

whether

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

From this reading Dunlap speaks of having heard it read, but does not mention whether it was from a manuscript or printed copy.

which

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

written

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

Yale

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

From this reading A comedy called the 'Mercenary Match,' by one Barnabas Bidwell, is said to have been performed by the students at Yale College, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. Ezra Styles, President of the College.

years

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

From this reading Several plays by native authors had been previously published, the more noteworthy being the 'Prince of Parthia,' a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey of Philadelphia, which was probably written, and was offered to Hallam's company in 1759 (but not produced), and was printed in 1765, two years after the author's death.[1]

Chapter 1 of The Contrast by Royall Tyler holds 173 sentences, grouped into 35 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 1 of The Contrast contain?

Chapter 1 holds 173 sentences of The Contrast, unabridged, divided into 35 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Contrast by Royall Tyler exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 173 sentences, grouped into 35 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of The Contrast?

Work through the 35 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 35 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Contrast

Common questions about reading The Contrast by Royall Tyler on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Contrast?

Yes. All 1255 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #554 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Contrast is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #554, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Contrast take to read?

About 104 minutes of reading across 251 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Contrast section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 8 chapters of The Contrast 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 Contrast

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Contrast, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Introduction
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Contrast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Contrast'
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Contrast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
First
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Contrast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
American
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Contrast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.