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When the Sleeper Wakes
When the Sleeper Wakes

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of When the Sleeper Wakes is here in full — 397 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for When the Sleeper Wakes
Context Illustration Reading 1/79 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.
He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.
When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.
The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.
The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

When the Sleeper Wakes

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of When the Sleeper Wakes is here in full — 397 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/79 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.
Line 2
He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.
/hiː lɜːrnt ˈæftərwərdz ðæt hiː wɑːz ˌɪnˈsensəbəl ˈhæŋɪŋ bɪˈtwiːn laɪf ənd deθ fɔːr ðə ˈbetər pɑːrt ʌv æn ˈaʊər/
Line 3
When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.
/wen hiː rəˈkʌvərd hɪz ˈsensɪz hiː wɑːz bæk ɑːn hɪz trænˈsluːsənt kaʊtʃ ənd ðer wɑːz ə ˈstɜːrɪŋ wɔːrmθ æt hɑːrt ənd θroʊt/
Line 4
The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.
/ðə dɑːrk ˌæpərˈætəs hiː pərˈsiːvd hæd bɪn riˈmuːvd frʌm hɪz ɑːrm wɪtʃ wɑːz ˈbændədʒd/
Line 5
The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.
/ðə waɪt ˈfreɪmwɜːrk wɑːz stɪl əˈbaʊt hɪm bʌt ðə ˈɡriːnɪʃ trænˈsperənt ˈsʌbstəns ðæt hæd fɪld ɪt wɑːz ˌɔːltəˈɡeðər ɡɔːn/

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.

apparatus noun US /ˌæpərˈætəs/

equipment designed to serve a specific function

From this reading “The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.”

bandaged adjective US /ˈbændədʒd/

covered or wrapped with a bandage

From this reading “The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.”

framework noun US /ˈfreɪmwɜːrk/

a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

From this reading “The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.”

Graham's noun US /ˈɡreɪəmz/

possessive form of “graham” — United States evangelical preacher famous as a mass evangelist (born in 1918)

greenish adjective US /ˈɡriːnɪʃ/

of the color between blue and yellow in the color spectrum; similar to the color of fresh grass

From this reading “The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.”

insensible adjective US /ˌɪnˈsensəbəl/

incapable of physical sensation

From this reading “He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.”

translucent adjective US /trænˈsluːsənt/

allowing light to pass through diffusely

From this reading “When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.”

transparent adjective US /trænˈsperənt/

transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity

From this reading “The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.”

All words in this reading · 64

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 Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

afterwardsadverbUS /ˈæftərwərdz/

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

altogetheradverbUS /ˌɔːltəˈɡeðər/

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

apparatusnounUS /ˌæpərˈætəs/

equipment designed to serve a specific function

From this reading The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.

armnounUS /ɑːrm/

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

backadverbUS /bæk/

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

bandagedadjectiveUS /ˈbændədʒd/

covered or wrapped with a bandage

From this reading The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

bellsnounUS /belz/

plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

clamorousadjective

conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

couchnounUS /kaʊtʃ/

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

darknounUS /dɑːrk/

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.

deathnounUS /deθ/

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

faintedverbUS /ˈfeɪntɪd/

past form of “faint” — pass out from weakness, physical or emotional distress due to a loss of blood supply to the brain

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

filledadjectiveUS /fɪld/

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

frameworknounUS /ˈfreɪmwɜːrk/

a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.

goneadjectiveUS /ɡɔːn/

destroyed or killed

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

Graham'snounUS /ˈɡreɪəmz/

possessive form of “graham” — United States evangelical preacher famous as a mass evangelist (born in 1918)

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

greenishadjectiveUS /ˈɡriːnɪʃ/

of the color between blue and yellow in the color spectrum; similar to the color of fresh grass

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.

hangingnounUS /ˈhæŋɪŋ/

decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

heartnounUS /hɑːrt/

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

hournounUS /ˈaʊər/

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

impressionnounUS /ˌɪmˈpreʃən/

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

insensibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsensəbəl/

incapable of physical sensation

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

learntverbUS /lɜːrnt/

inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

perceivedadjectiveUS /pərˈsiːvd/

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.

recoveredadjectiveUS /rəˈkʌvərd/

freed from illness or injury

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

removedadjectiveUS /riˈmuːvd/

separated in relationship by a given degree of descent

From this reading The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.

ringingnounUS /ˈrɪŋɪŋ/

the sound of a bell ringing

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

sensesnounUS /ˈsensɪz/

plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

stirringnounUS /ˈstɜːrɪŋ/

agitating a liquid with an implement

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

substancenounUS /ˈsʌbstəns/

the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading He learnt afterwards that he was insensible, hanging between life and death, for the better part of an hour.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

throatnounUS /θroʊt/

The passage at the back of the mouth.

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

translucentadjectiveUS /trænˈsluːsənt/

allowing light to pass through diffusely

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

transparentadjectiveUS /trænˈsperənt/

transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

warmthnounUS /wɔːrmθ/

the sensation caused by heat energy

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Graham’s last impression before he fainted was of a clamorous ringing of bells.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When he recovered his senses, he was back on his translucent couch, and there was a stirring warmth at heart and throat.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The dark apparatus, he perceived, had been removed from his arm, which was bandaged.

whitenounUS /waɪt/

a Caucasian

From this reading The white framework was still about him, but the greenish transparent substance that had filled it was altogether gone.

Chapter 4 of When the Sleeper Wakes by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells holds 397 sentences, grouped into 80 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 4 of When the Sleeper Wakes contain?

Chapter 4 holds 397 sentences of When the Sleeper Wakes, unabridged, divided into 80 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of When the Sleeper Wakes by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 397 sentences, grouped into 80 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 4 of When the Sleeper Wakes?

Work through the 80 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 80 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 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 When the Sleeper Wakes

Common questions about reading When the Sleeper Wakes by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of When the Sleeper Wakes?

Yes. All 5397 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #775 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of When the Sleeper Wakes is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #775, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does When the Sleeper Wakes take to read?

About 449 minutes of reading across 1080 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read When the Sleeper Wakes section by section

How to work through When the Sleeper Wakes section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 22 chapters of When the Sleeper Wakes 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 When the Sleeper Wakes

Words and structures a reader meets early in When the Sleeper Wakes, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Afternoon
A word that appears in the opening chapter of When the Sleeper Wakes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Water
A word that appears in the opening chapter of When the Sleeper Wakes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Isbister
A word that appears in the opening chapter of When the Sleeper Wakes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Young
A word that appears in the opening chapter of When the Sleeper Wakes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.