ableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪbəl/
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
admittedverbUS /ədˈmɪtɪd/
inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
adventureverbUS /ædˈventʃər/
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
astonishedadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃt/
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading And the little Wizard showed his astonished friends the hickory-nut and the walnut to prove that he had spoken the truth.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading "What has become of those Giant Soldiers who used to be monkeys?"
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
BeforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "But--see here!"--exclaimed Dorothy.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
CatnounUS /kæt/
feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
chancenounUS /tʃæns/
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
changeverbUS /tʃeɪndʒ/
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
coursenounUS /kɔːrs/
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
Dorothy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But--see here!"--exclaimed Dorothy.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
exclaimedverbUS /ɪkˈskleɪmd/
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading "But--see here!"--exclaimed Dorothy.
explainedverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnd/
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
forestnounUS /ˈfɔːrəst/
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
forgotverbUS /fərˈɡɑːt/
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
friendsnounUS /frendz/
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading And the little Wizard showed his astonished friends the hickory-nut and the walnut to prove that he had spoken the truth.
GiantnounUS /ˈdʒaɪənt/
any creature of exceptional size
From this reading "What has become of those Giant Soldiers who used to be monkeys?"
GlassnounUS /ɡlæs/
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "What has become of those Giant Soldiers who used to be monkeys?"
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
helpverbUS /help/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
hereadverbUS /hiːr/
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "But--see here!"--exclaimed Dorothy.
hickory-nut
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the little Wizard showed his astonished friends the hickory-nut and the walnut to prove that he had spoken the truth.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
joynounUS /dʒɔɪ/
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
Li-Mon-Eags
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading And the little Wizard showed his astonished friends the hickory-nut and the walnut to prove that he had spoken the truth.
Magician's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
monkeysnounUS /ˈmʌŋkiz/
plural of “monkey” — any of various long-tailed primates (excluding the prosimians)
From this reading "What has become of those Giant Soldiers who used to be monkeys?"
naturaladjectiveUS /ˈnætʃərəl/
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
permittedverbUS /pərˈmɪtɪd/
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
proveverbUS /pruːv/
be shown or be found to be
From this reading And the little Wizard showed his astonished friends the hickory-nut and the walnut to prove that he had spoken the truth.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "But--see here!"--exclaimed Dorothy.
shapesnounUS /ʃeɪps/
plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading And the little Wizard showed his astonished friends the hickory-nut and the walnut to prove that he had spoken the truth.
SoldiersnounUS /ˈsoʊldʒərz/
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading "What has become of those Giant Soldiers who used to be monkeys?"
somewhatadverbUS /ˈsʌmˈwʌt/
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
speakverbUS /spiːk/
express in speech
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
spokenadjectiveUS /ˈspoʊkən/
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading And the little Wizard showed his astonished friends the hickory-nut and the walnut to prove that he had spoken the truth.
standingadjectiveUS /ˈstændɪŋ/
having a supporting base
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
supposeverbUS /səˈpoʊz/
express a supposition
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
surprisedadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzd/
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "I forgot all about them!" admitted the Wizard; "but I suppose they are still standing there in the forest."
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading "What has become of those Giant Soldiers who used to be monkeys?"
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
toldverbUS /toʊld/
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
transformedadjectiveUS /trænˈsfɔːrmd/
given a completely different form or appearance
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
truthnounUS /truːθ/
a fact that has been verified
From this reading And the little Wizard showed his astonished friends the hickory-nut and the walnut to prove that he had spoken the truth.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
unableadjectiveUS /əˈneɪbəl/
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
usedadjectiveUS /juːzd/
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading "What has become of those Giant Soldiers who used to be monkeys?"
walnutnounUS /ˈwɔːlnʌt/
nut of any of various walnut trees having a wrinkled two-lobed seed with a hard shell
From this reading And the little Wizard showed his astonished friends the hickory-nut and the walnut to prove that he had spoken the truth.
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "What has become of those Giant Soldiers who used to be monkeys?"
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading "What has become of those Giant Soldiers who used to be monkeys?"
WizardnounUS /ˈwɪzərd/
someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
From this reading And the little Wizard showed his astonished friends the hickory-nut and the walnut to prove that he had spoken the truth.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Before he explained anything of his adventure, he transformed them all--except, of course, the Glass Cat--into their natural shapes, and when their joy permitted them to quiet somewhat, he told how he had by chance surprised the Magician's secret and been able to change the two Li-Mon-Eags into shapes that could not speak, and therefore would be unable to help themselves.
