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Typee: A Romance of the South Seas
Typee: A Romance of the South Seas

Chapter IX · Chapter 9

Chapter 9 of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas is here in full — 118 sentences across 24 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Typee: A Romance of the South Seas
Context Illustration Reading 1/23 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.
I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.
Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.
The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.
From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Typee: A Romance of the South Seas

Chapter IX · Chapter 9

Chapter 9 of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas is here in full — 118 sentences across 24 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/23 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.
Line 2
I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.
Line 3
Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.
/ˈaʊər ˈprɑːɡres æt fɜːrst kəmˈperətɪvli ˈiːzi bɪˈkeɪm mɔːr ənd mɔːr ˈdɪfəkəlt/
Line 4
The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.
Line 5
From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.
/frʌm ðə ˈneroʊnəs ʌv ðə ɡɔːrdʒ ənd ðə ˈstiːpnəs ʌv ɪts saɪdz ðer wɑːz noʊ moʊd ʌv ədˈvænsɪŋ bʌt baɪ ˈweɪdɪŋ θruː ðə ˈwɔːtər ˈstʌmbəlɪŋ ˈevəri ˈmoʊmənt ˈoʊvər ðə ˌɪmˈpedəmənts wɪtʃ leɪ ˈhɪdən ˈʌndər ɪts ˈsɜːrfəs ɔːr ˈtrɪpɪŋ əˈɡenst ðə hjuːdʒ ruːts ʌv triːz/

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.

basins noun US /ˈbeɪsənz/

plural of “basin” — a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids

From this reading “The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.”

contagious adjective US /kənˈteɪdʒəs/

easily diffused or spread as from one person to another

From this reading “CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.”

impediments noun US /ˌɪmˈpedəmənts/

plural of “impediment” — something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

From this reading “From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.”

narrowness noun US /ˈneroʊnəs/

the property of being narrow; having little width

From this reading “From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.”

obstructions noun US /əbˈstrʌkʃənz/

plural of “obstruction” — any structure that makes progress difficult

From this reading “The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.”

steepness noun US /ˈstiːpnəs/

the property possessed by a slope that is very steep

From this reading “From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.”

wading noun US /ˈweɪdɪŋ/

walking with your feet in shallow water

From this reading “From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.”

waterfalls noun US /ˈwɔːtərfɔːlz/

plural of “waterfall” — a steep descent of the water of a river

From this reading “The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.”

All words in this reading · 112

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 I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

adoptverbUS /əˈdɑːpt/

choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

advancingadjectiveUS /ədˈvænsɪŋ/

moving forward

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.

basinsnounUS /ˈbeɪsənz/

plural of “basin” — a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/

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

From this reading Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.

bednounUS /bed/

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

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

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

brokenadjectiveUS /ˈbroʊkən/

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

CHAPTERnounUS /ˈtʃæptər/

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

comparativelyadverbUS /kəmˈperətɪvli/

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.

confidencenounUS /ˈkɑːnfədəns/

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

contagiousadjectiveUS /kənˈteɪdʒəs/

easily diffused or spread as from one person to another

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

coveredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌvərd/

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

deepadjectiveUS /diːp/

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

DESCENTnounUS /dɪˈsent/

An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

difficultadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfəkəlt/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.

easyadjectiveUS /ˈiːzi/

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

fallenadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlən/

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

fearlessadjectiveUS /ˈfɪrləs/

oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.

formingverbUS /ˈfɔːrmɪŋ/

-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

fragmentsnounUS /ˈfræɡmənts/

plural of “fragment” — a piece broken off or cut off of something else

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

frettedadjectiveUS /ˈfretɪd/

having frets

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

gloomyadjectiveUS /ˈɡluːmi/

depressingly dark

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

gorgeverbUS /ɡɔːrdʒ/

overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

Happar

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

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

heapsnounUS /hiːps/

a large number or amount

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

hiddenadjectiveUS /ˈhɪdən/

not accessible to view

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

hugeadjectiveUS /hjuːdʒ/

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

impedimentsnounUS /ˌɪmˈpedəmənts/

plural of “impediment” — something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

INTOprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

layverbUS /leɪ/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

modenounUS /moʊd/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/

a particular point in time

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.

narrownessnounUS /ˈneroʊnəs/

the property of being narrow; having little width

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

NINEnounUS /naɪn/

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

obstructionsnounUS /əbˈstrʌkʃənz/

plural of “obstruction” — any structure that makes progress difficult

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

offeringnounUS /ˈɔːfərɪŋ/

something offered (as a proposal or bid)

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

overcomeverbUS /ˈoʊvərkʌm/

win a victory over

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

PASSAGEnounUS /ˈpæsədʒ/

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

PERILOUSadjectiveUS /ˈperələs/

fraught with danger

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

pouringadjectiveUS /ˈpɔːrɪŋ/

flowing profusely

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

progressnounUS /ˈprɑːɡres/

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

RAVINEnounUS /rəˈviːn/

a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

rocksnounUS /rɑːks/

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

rootsnounUS /ruːts/

the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

sidenounUS /saɪd/

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

sidesnounUS /saɪdz/

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

solitudes

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

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

splashingnounUS /ˈsplæʃɪŋ/

the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

steepnessnounUS /ˈstiːpnəs/

the property possessed by a slope that is very steep

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

stonesnounUS /stoʊnz/

plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

streamnounUS /striːm/

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

stumblingverbUS /ˈstʌmbəlɪŋ/

-ing form of “stumble” — walk unsteadily

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

surfacenounUS /ˈsɜːrfəs/

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

TobynounUS /ˈtoʊbi/

a drinking mug in the shape of a stout man wearing a three-cornered hat

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

treesnounUS /triːz/

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

trepidationnounUS /ˌtrepɪˈdeɪʃən/

a feeling of alarm or dread

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

trippingadjectiveUS /ˈtrɪpɪŋ/

characterized by a buoyant rhythm

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

VALLEYnounUS /ˈvæli/

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

vexedadjectiveUS /vekst/

troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

wadingnounUS /ˈweɪdɪŋ/

walking with your feet in shallow water

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading CHAPTER NINE PERILOUS PASSAGE OF THE RAVINE--DESCENT INTO THE VALLEY The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the Happar side of the question.

waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or tripping against the huge roots of trees.

watercoursenoun

natural or artificial channel through which water flows

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

waterfallsnounUS /ˈwɔːtərfɔːlz/

plural of “waterfall” — a steep descent of the water of a river

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading I could not, however, overcome a certain feeling of trepidation as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

wildlyadverbUS /ˈwaɪldli/

to an extreme or greatly exaggerated degree

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks, which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing wildly upon heaps of stones.

Chapter 9 of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas by Herman Melville holds 118 sentences, grouped into 24 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 9 of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas contain?

Chapter 9 holds 118 sentences of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas, unabridged, divided into 24 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 9 of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas by Herman Melville exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 118 sentences, grouped into 24 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 9 of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas?

Work through the 24 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 24 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.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 9 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.

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Project Gutenberg eBook #1900, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

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About 307 minutes of reading across 739 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in Typee: A Romance of the South Seas

Words and structures a reader meets early in Typee: A Romance of the South Seas, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Three
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Years
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Elapsed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Since
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Typee: A Romance of the South Seas; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.