Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01

Chapter V · Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 is here in full — 68 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01
Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.
An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.
Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.
To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.
The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01

Chapter V · Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 is here in full — 68 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/13 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.
/ˈledʒəndz ðə ˈkerɪktər ʌv ə pleɪs ɪz ˈɔːfən moʊst ˈpɜːrfəktli ɪkˈsprest ɪn ɪts əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃənz/
Line 2
An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.
/æn ɪˈvent straɪks ruːt ənd ɡroʊz ˈɪntuː ə ˈledʒənd wen ɪt hæz ˈhæpənd əˈmʌŋst kənˈdʒiːnjəl sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
Line 3
Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.
/ˈʌɡli ˈækʃənz əˈbʌv ɔːl ɪn ˈʌɡli ˈpleɪsəz hæv ðə truː roʊˈmæntɪk ˈkwɑːləti ənd bɪˈkʌm æn ənˈdaɪɪŋ ˈprɑːpərti ʌv ðer siːn/
Line 4
To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.
Line 5
The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.
/ðə ˈkɑːmən rʌn ʌv ˈmænˈkaɪnd hæv frʌm ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən tuː ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən æn ˈɪnstɪŋkt ˈɔːlmoʊst æz ˈdeləkət æz ðæt ʌv skɑːt bʌt wer hiː kriˈeɪtəd nuː θɪŋz ðeɪ ˈoʊnli fərˈɡet wʌt ɪz ənˈsuːtəbəl əˈmʌŋ ðə oʊld ənd baɪ sərˈvaɪvəl ʌv ðə ˈfɪtəst ə ˈbɑːdi ʌv trəˈdɪʃən bɪˈkʌmz ə wɜːrk ʌv ɑːrt/

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.

congenial adjective US /kənˈdʒiːnjəl/

suitable to your needs

From this reading “An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.”

fittest adjective US /ˈfɪtəst/

superlative of “fit” — meeting adequate standards for a purpose

From this reading “The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.”

legends noun US /ˈledʒəndz/

plural of “legend” — a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

From this reading “LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.”

romantically adverb US /roʊˈmæntɪkəli/

in a romantic manner

From this reading “To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.”

survival noun US /sərˈvaɪvəl/

a state of surviving; remaining alive

From this reading “The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.”

undying adjective US /ənˈdaɪɪŋ/

never dying

From this reading “Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.”

unsuitable adjective US /ənˈsuːtəbəl/

not meant or adapted for a particular purpose

From this reading “The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.”

Venue noun US /ˈvenjuː/

the scene of any event or action (especially the place of a meeting)

From this reading “To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.”

All words in this reading · 120

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/

plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

amongstprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋst/

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

AndeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

appearancesnounUS /əˈpɪrənsəz/

plural of “appearance” — outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

associationsnounUS /əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “association” — a formal organization of people or groups of people

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

becomesverbUS /bɪˈkʌmz/

third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

BennounUS /ben/

a mountain or tall hill

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

bodynounUS /ˈbɑːdi/

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

callverbUS /kɔːl/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

commonadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmən/

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

conceivedverbUS /kənˈsiːvd/

past form of “conceive” — have the idea for

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

congenialadjectiveUS /kənˈdʒiːnjəl/

suitable to your needs

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

containverbUS /kənˈteɪn/

include or contain; have as a component

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

createdverbUS /kriˈeɪtəd/

past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

delicateadjectiveUS /ˈdeləkət/

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

desolateadjectiveUS /ˈdesələt/

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

EdinburghnounUS /ˈedənbəroʊ/

the capital of Scotland; located in the Lothian Region on the south side of the Firth of Forth

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

eventnounUS /ɪˈvent/

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

eventsnounUS /ɪˈvents/

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

expressedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsprest/

communicated in words

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

fittestadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəst/

superlative of “fit” — meeting adequate standards for a purpose

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

forgetverbUS /fərˈɡet/

dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

forthadverbUS /fɔːrθ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

growsverbUS /ɡroʊz/

third-person singular of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

happenverbUS /ˈhæpən/

come to pass

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

HeartnounUS /hɑːrt/

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

indifferentlyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfrəntli/

with indifference; in an indifferent manner

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

instinctnounUS /ˈɪnstɪŋkt/

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

islandsnounUS /ˈaɪləndz/

plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

LadynounUS /ˈleɪdi/

a polite name for any woman

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

LakenounUS /leɪk/

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

legendnounUS /ˈledʒənd/

a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

LEGENDSnounUS /ˈledʒəndz/

plural of “legend” — a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

mankindnounUS /ˈmænˈkaɪnd/

all of the living human inhabitants of the earth

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

Midlothian

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

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

NorthnounUS /nɔːrθ/

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

perfectlyadverbUS /ˈpɜːrfəktli/

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

PiratenounUS /ˈpaɪrət/

someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

placesnounUS /ˈpleɪsəz/

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

propertynounUS /ˈprɑːpərti/

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

proprietynounUS /prəˈpraɪəti/

correct or appropriate behavior

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

qualitynounUS /ˈkwɑːləti/

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

roaringnounUS /ˈrɔːrɪŋ/

a deep prolonged loud noise

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

romanticadjectiveUS /roʊˈmæntɪk/

belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

romanticallyadverbUS /roʊˈmæntɪkəli/

in a romantic manner

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

rootnounUS /ruːt/

(botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

runverbUS /rʌn/

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

scenenounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

ScottnounUS /skɑːt/

award-winning United States film actor (1928-1999)

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

spiritnounUS /ˈspɪrət/

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

strikesnounUS /straɪks/

plural of “strike” — a group's refusal to work in protest against low pay or bad work conditions

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/

the environmental condition

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

survivalnounUS /sərˈvaɪvəl/

a state of surviving; remaining alive

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading LEGENDS The character of a place is often most perfectly expressed in its associations.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

tideways

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

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

ToparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

traditionnounUS /trəˈdɪʃən/

an inherited pattern of thought or action

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

UglyadjectiveUS /ˈʌɡli/

displeasing to the senses

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

undyingadjectiveUS /ənˈdaɪɪŋ/

never dying

From this reading Ugly actions, above all in ugly places, have the true romantic quality, and become an undying property of their scene.

unsuitableadjectiveUS /ənˈsuːtəbəl/

not meant or adapted for a particular purpose

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

VenuenounUS /ˈvenjuː/

the scene of any event or action (especially the place of a meeting)

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading An event strikes root and grows into a legend, when it has happened amongst congenial surroundings.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The common run of mankind have, from generation to generation, an instinct almost as delicate as that of Scott; but where he created new things, they only forget what is unsuitable among the old; and by survival of the fittest, a body of tradition becomes a work of art.

writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading To a man like Scott, the different appearances of nature seemed each to contain its own legend ready made, which it was his to call forth: in such or such a place, only such or such events ought with propriety to happen; and in this spirit he made the "Lady of the Lake" for Ben Venue, the "Heart of Midlothian" for Edinburgh, and the "Pirate," so indifferently written but so romantically conceived, for the desolate islands and roaring tideways of the North.

Chapter 5 of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 by Robert Louis Stevenson holds 68 sentences, grouped into 14 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, 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 5 of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 contain?

Chapter 5 holds 68 sentences of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01, unabridged, divided into 14 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 5 of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 by Robert Louis Stevenson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 68 sentences, grouped into 14 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 5 of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01?

Work through the 14 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 14 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 5 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 5 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 Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01

Common questions about reading The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 by Robert Louis Stevenson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01?

Yes. All 0 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #? are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #?, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 section by section

How to work through The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 0 chapters of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01 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 Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
One of the 0 chapters of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 3
One of the 0 chapters of The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson — Vol. 01, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.