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The Moon and Sixpence
The Moon and Sixpence

Chapter XXXIX · Chapter 39

Chapter 39 of The Moon and Sixpence is here in full — 102 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/20 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The time came for my departure from Tahiti.
According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contactbaskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.
When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.
Tears glistened in her eyes.
And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.
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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 Moon and Sixpence

Chapter XXXIX · Chapter 39

Chapter 39 of The Moon and Sixpence is here in full — 102 sentences across 21 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/20 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The time came for my departure from Tahiti.
Line 2
According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contactbaskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.
Line 3
When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.
Line 4
Tears glistened in her eyes.
Line 5
And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

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.

Jars noun US /dʒɑːrz/

Wide-mouthed cylindrical containers made of clay or glass, used for storing goods.

From this reading “According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.”

Open verb US /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading “And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.”

All words in this reading · 101

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 When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

According

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

and

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

baskets

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

been

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

billowy

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

blew

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

board

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

bosom

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

by

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

came

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

From this reading The time came for my departure from Tahiti.

certain

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

clasped

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

cocoa-nut

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

contact

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

custom

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

departure

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

From this reading The time came for my departure from Tahiti.

eyes

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

From this reading Tears glistened in her eyes.

fans

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

fell

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

for

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

From this reading The time came for my departure from Tahiti.

Francisco

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

from

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

From this reading The time came for my departure from Tahiti.

gave

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

get

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

gingerly

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

given

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

glistened

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

From this reading Tears glistened in her eyes.

gracious

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

guava-jelly

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

had

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

hands

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

her

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

hours

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

I

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

in

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

into

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

island

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

its

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

jarsnounUS /dʒɑːrz/

Wide-mouthed cylindrical containers made of clay or glass, used for storing goods.

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

lagoon

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

leaves

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

lips

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

little

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

made

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

mail-boat

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

making

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

mats

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

me

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

melancholy

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

mine

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

my

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

From this reading The time came for my departure from Tahiti.

of

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

on

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

opening

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

our

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

out

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

own

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

pandanus

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

passengers

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

pearls

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

persons

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

plump

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

presents

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

pressed

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

red

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

reef

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

San

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

sea

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

seemed

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

sink

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

slowly

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

so

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

steamed

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

steered

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

stopping

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

Tahiti

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

From this reading The time came for my departure from Tahiti.

Tears

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

From this reading Tears glistened in her eyes.

that

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

The

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

From this reading The time came for my departure from Tahiti.

then

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

three

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

through

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

thrown

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

Tiaré

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

time

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

From this reading The time came for my departure from Tahiti.

to

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

tree

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

twenty-four

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

upon

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

vast

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

warned

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

way

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

we

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

From this reading And when we steamed slowly out of the lagoon, making our way gingerly through the opening in the reef, and then steered for the open sea, a certain melancholy fell upon me.

Wellington

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

were

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

When

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

whistle

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

From this reading When the mail-boat, stopping for twenty-four hours on its way from Wellington to San Francisco, blew the whistle that warned the passengers to get on board, Tiaré clasped me to her vast bosom, so that I seemed to sink into a billowy sea, and pressed her red lips to mine.

whom

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

with

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

From this reading According to the gracious custom of the island, presents were given me by the persons with whom I had been thrown in contact—baskets made of the leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, mats of pandanus, fans; and Tiaré gave me three little pearls and three jars of guava-jelly made with her own plump hands.

Chapter 39 of The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham holds 102 sentences, grouped into 21 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 39 of The Moon and Sixpence contain?

Chapter 39 holds 102 sentences of The Moon and Sixpence, unabridged, divided into 21 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 39 of The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 102 sentences, grouped into 21 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 39 of The Moon and Sixpence?

Work through the 21 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 21 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 39 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 39 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 Moon and Sixpence

Common questions about reading The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Moon and Sixpence?

Yes. All 5127 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #222 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Moon and Sixpence is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #222, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Moon and Sixpence take to read?

About 427 minutes of reading across 1026 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Moon and Sixpence section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 39 chapters of The Moon and Sixpence 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 Moon and Sixpence

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

Confess
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Moon and Sixpence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
First
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Moon and Sixpence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Acquaintance
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Moon and Sixpence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Charles
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Moon and Sixpence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.