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The Pickwick Papers
The Pickwick Papers

Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

Chapter 23 of The Pickwick Papers is here in full — 284 sentences across 57 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By Charles Dickens • Curated US English Learning Edition

Chapter 23 of The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens holds 284 sentences, grouped into 57 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 23 of The Pickwick Papers contain?

Chapter 23 holds 284 sentences of The Pickwick Papers, unabridged, divided into 57 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 23 of The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 284 sentences, grouped into 57 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 23 of The Pickwick Papers?

Work through the 57 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 57 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 23 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 23 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 Pickwick Papers

Common questions about reading The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Pickwick Papers?

Yes. All 16626 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #580 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Pickwick Papers is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #580, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Pickwick Papers take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 3326 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Pickwick Papers section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 35 chapters of The Pickwick Papers 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 Pickwick Papers

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

Detailed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Pickwick Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Contents
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Pickwick Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Pickwickians
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Pickwick Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
First
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Pickwick Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Cover illustration for The Pickwick Papers
Context Illustration Reading 1/57 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.
PICKWICK WITH A PRIVATE MISSION OF DELICACY AND IMPORTANCE
Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’
‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’
‘Perhaps something uncommon has taken place,’ observed Mrs. Craddock.
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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 Pickwick Papers

Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

Chapter 23 of The Pickwick Papers is here in full — 284 sentences across 57 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/57 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.
Line 2
PICKWICK WITH A PRIVATE MISSION OF DELICACY AND IMPORTANCE
Line 3
Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’
Line 4
‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’
Line 5
‘Perhaps something uncommon has taken place,’ observed Mrs. Craddock.
All words in this reading · 71

Every word is available to listen to. 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 DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
acquaintance

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
afeerd

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
ALSO

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
AND

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
any

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
as

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
be

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
BY

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
capable

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
circle

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
Craddock

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
day

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
DELICACY

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

From this reading PICKWICK WITH A PRIVATE MISSION OF DELICACY AND IMPORTANCE

Pending verification
DESCRIBING

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
don't

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
ENTRUSTED

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
eventful

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
for

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
gen'l'm'n

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
has

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

From this reading ‘Perhaps something uncommon has taken place,’ observed Mrs. Craddock.

Pending verification
HE

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
here's

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
HOW

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
I

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
I'm

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
IMPORTANCE

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

From this reading PICKWICK WITH A PRIVATE MISSION OF DELICACY AND IMPORTANCE

Pending verification
in

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
INVITED

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
is

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
letter

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
matter

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
MISSION

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

From this reading PICKWICK WITH A PRIVATE MISSION OF DELICACY AND IMPORTANCE

Pending verification
morning

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
MR

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
Mrs

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
must

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
my

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
o

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
observed

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

From this reading ‘Perhaps something uncommon has taken place,’ observed Mrs. Craddock.

Pending verification
odd

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
OF

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

From this reading PICKWICK WITH A PRIVATE MISSION OF DELICACY AND IMPORTANCE

Pending verification
one

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
Perhaps

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

From this reading ‘Perhaps something uncommon has taken place,’ observed Mrs. Craddock.

Pending verification
PICKWICK

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

From this reading PICKWICK WITH A PRIVATE MISSION OF DELICACY AND IMPORTANCE

Pending verification
place

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

From this reading ‘Perhaps something uncommon has taken place,’ observed Mrs. Craddock.

Pending verification
PRIVATE

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

From this reading PICKWICK WITH A PRIVATE MISSION OF DELICACY AND IMPORTANCE

Pending verification
recollect

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
RELATES

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
said

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
Sam

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
SOIREE

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
somethin

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
something

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

From this reading ‘Perhaps something uncommon has taken place,’ observed Mrs. Craddock.

Pending verification
taken

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

From this reading ‘Perhaps something uncommon has taken place,’ observed Mrs. Craddock.

Pending verification
that

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
the

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
there

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
this

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
TO

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
uncommon

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

From this reading ‘Perhaps something uncommon has taken place,’ observed Mrs. Craddock.

Pending verification
upon

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
very

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
WAS

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
Weller

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification
WENT

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
Wery

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
WHICH

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

From this reading DESCRIBING A SOIREE TO WHICH HE WAS INVITED AND WENT; ALSO RELATES HOW HE WAS ENTRUSTED BY MR.

Pending verification
WITH

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

From this reading PICKWICK WITH A PRIVATE MISSION OF DELICACY AND IMPORTANCE

Pending verification
writin

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

From this reading ‘Wery odd that,’ said Sam; ‘I’m afeerd there must be somethin’ the matter, for I don’t recollect any gen’l’m’n in my circle of acquaintance as is capable o’ writin’ one.’

Pending verification
you

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

From this reading Mr. Weller,’ said Mrs. Craddock, upon the morning of this very eventful day, ‘here’s a letter for you.’

Pending verification