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The Shape of Fear
The Shape of Fear

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Shape of Fear is here in full — 160 sentences across 32 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/32 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.
In addition, I have made the following changes to the text:
PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.
165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.
His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Shape of Fear

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Shape of Fear is here in full — 160 sentences across 32 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/32 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.
Line 2
In addition, I have made the following changes to the text:
/ɪn əˈdɪʃən aɪ hæv meɪd ðə ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ ˈtʃeɪndʒəz tuː ðə tekst/
Line 3
PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.
Line 4
165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.
Line 5
His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.
/hɪz ˈmʌðər hæd dɪˈzaɪnd hɪm fɔːr ðə ˈpriːsthʊd ənd æt ðə eɪdʒ ʌv fɪfˈtiːn moʊst ʌv hɪz ˈvɜːrsəz hæd æn ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪkəl tɪndʒ bʌt ˈsʌmhaʊ ɔːr ˈʌðər hiː ɡɑːt ˈɪntuː ðə ˈnuːzpeɪpər ˈbɪznəs ˌɪnˈsted ənd bɪˈkeɪm ə ˌpesəˈmɪstɪk ˈdʒentəlmən wɪð ə ˈlɪtəreri staɪl ʌv ɡreɪt ˈbjuːti ənd æn ˈɪnkʌm ʌv ˈmɑːdəst prəˈpɔːrʃənz/

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.

ecclesiastical adjective US /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪkəl/

of or associated with a church (especially a Christian Church)

From this reading “His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.”

enthusiast noun US /enˈθuːziæst/

an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity

From this reading “165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.”

indicators noun US /ˈɪndəkeɪtərz/

plural of “indicator” — a number or ratio (a value on a scale of measurement) derived from a series of observed facts; can reveal relative changes as a function of time

From this reading “I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.”

o'connor noun US /oʊˈkɑːnər/

United States writer (1925-1964)

From this reading “165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.”

pessimistic adjective US /ˌpesəˈmɪstɪk/

expecting the worst possible outcome

From this reading “His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.”

priesthood noun US /ˈpriːsthʊd/

the body of ordained religious practitioners

From this reading “His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.”

tinge noun US /tɪndʒ/

a slight but appreciable amount

From this reading “His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.”

Wedgwood noun US /ˈwedʒwʊd/

English potter (1730-1795)

From this reading “165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.”

All words in this reading · 97

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1

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

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

11

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

156

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

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

165

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

166

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

167

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

17

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

172

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

173

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

4

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

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

5

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

6

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

9

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

additionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading In addition, I have made the following changes to the text:

agenounUS /eɪdʒ/

how long something has existed

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

beautynounUS /ˈbjuːti/

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

Bogg

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

Boggs

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

businessnounUS /ˈbɪznəs/

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

CHANGEDadjectiveUS /tʃeɪndʒd/

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

changesnounUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/

plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another

From this reading In addition, I have made the following changes to the text:

descendedverbUS /dɪˈsendəd/

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

designedadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪnd/

done or made or performed with purpose and intent

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

ecclesiasticaladjectiveUS /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪkəl/

of or associated with a church (especially a Christian Church)

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

enthusiastnounUS /enˈθuːziæst/

an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

fifteennounUS /fɪfˈtiːn/

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading In addition, I have made the following changes to the text:

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

gentlemannounUS /ˈdʒentəlmən/

a man of refinement

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

gotverbUS /ɡɑːt/

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

headsnounUS /hedz/

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading In addition, I have made the following changes to the text:

incomenounUS /ˈɪnkʌm/

the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

indicatorsnounUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtərz/

plural of “indicator” — a number or ratio (a value on a scale of measurement) derived from a series of observed facts; can reveal relative changes as a function of time

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

insteadadverbUS /ˌɪnˈsted/

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

italicization

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

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

LINEnounUS /laɪn/

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

literaryadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəreri/

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading In addition, I have made the following changes to the text:

modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

mouthnounUS /maʊθ/

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

NnounUS /en/

a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

newspapernounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpər/

a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

O'CONNORnounUS /oʊˈkɑːnər/

United States writer (1925-1964)

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

O'Conors

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

omittedverbUS /oʊˈmɪtəd/

inflected form of “omit” — prevent from being included or considered or accepted

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

ORIGINALadjectiveUS /ərˈɪdʒənəl/

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

PAGEnounUS /peɪdʒ/

one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

pessimisticadjectiveUS /ˌpesəˈmɪstɪk/

expecting the worst possible outcome

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

poetnounUS /ˈpoʊət/

a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

priesthoodnounUS /ˈpriːsthʊd/

the body of ordained religious practitioners

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

proportionsnounUS /prəˈpɔːrʃənz/

plural of “proportion” — the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

runningadjectiveUS /ˈrʌnɪŋ/

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

signaturenounUS /ˈsɪɡnətʃər/

your name written in your own handwriting

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

somehowadverbUS /ˈsʌmhaʊ/

in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

startedverbUS /ˈstɑːrtɪd/

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

stylenounUS /staɪl/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

superfluousadjectiveUS /ˈsuːpərflwʌs/

serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

surperfluous

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

textnounUS /tekst/

the words of something written

From this reading In addition, I have made the following changes to the text:

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading I have omitted signature indicators and italicization of the running heads.

TIM

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

tingenounUS /tɪndʒ/

a slight but appreciable amount

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading In addition, I have made the following changes to the text:

versesnounUS /ˈvɜːrsəz/

plural of “verse” — literature in metrical form

From this reading His mother had designed him for the priesthood, and at the age of fifteen, most of his verses had an ecclesiastical tinge, but, somehow or other, he got into the newspaper business instead, and became a pessimistic gentleman, with a literary style of great beauty and an income of modest proportions.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

Wedgewood

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

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

WedgwoodnounUS /ˈwedʒwʊd/

English potter (1730-1795)

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading PAGE LINE ORIGINAL CHANGED TO 156 1 where as were as 156 4 mouth mouth.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading 165 5 Wedgwood Wedgewood 166 9 Wedgwood Wedgewood 167 6 surperfluous superfluous 172 11 every ever 173 17 Bogg Boggs TIM O'CONNOR--who was descended from the O'Conors with one N---- started life as a poet and an enthusiast.

Chapter 1 of The Shape of Fear by Elia Wilkinson Peattie holds 160 sentences, grouped into 32 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of The Shape of Fear contain?

Chapter 1 holds 160 sentences of The Shape of Fear, unabridged, divided into 32 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Shape of Fear by Elia Wilkinson Peattie exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 160 sentences, grouped into 32 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of The Shape of Fear?

Work through the 32 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 32 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

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

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

Questions about reading The Shape of Fear

Common questions about reading The Shape of Fear by Elia Wilkinson Peattie on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Shape of Fear?

Yes. All 1256 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #1876 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Shape of Fear is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #1876, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Shape of Fear take to read?

About 104 minutes of reading across 252 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Shape of Fear section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 7 chapters of The Shape of Fear 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 Shape of Fear

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

Omitted
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Shape of Fear; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Signature
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Shape of Fear; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Indicators
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Shape of Fear; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Italicization
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Shape of Fear; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.