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Writing for Vaudeville
Writing for Vaudeville

Chapter II

Cover illustration for Writing for Vaudeville
Context Illustration Reading 1/23 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?
"I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
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Writing for Vaudeville

Chapter II

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

Line 1
SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?
Line 2
"I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
Line 3
Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
Line 4
If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
Line 5
In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Anyone pronoun US /ˈeniwʌn/

any person at all

From this reading “Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.”

Because conjunction US /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading “"I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “"I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.”

Rest noun US /rest/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “"I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."”

Think noun US /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “"I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.”

All words in this reading · 111

Every word is available to listen to. 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 became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

ability

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

add

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

all

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

ambition

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

any

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

AnyonepronounUS /ˈeniwʌn/

any person at all

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

awakening

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

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

became

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

Bernard

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

boiling

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

boundless

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

bread

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

bring

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

business

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

butter

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

called

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

contemplate

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

content

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

craftiness

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

creation

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

dash

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

determination

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

diplomatic

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

doomed

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

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

dramatic

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

Edison

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

energy

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

equal

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

explosive

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

extreme

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

FORprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?

formula

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

genius

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

genius-for-long-hours

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

George

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

get

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

give

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

hours

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

impudence

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

Job

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

keep

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

less

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

lifetime

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

living

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

Machiavelli

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

mistake

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

mix

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

Napoleon

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

once

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

ordinary

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

other

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

patience

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

professions

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

proportions

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

rate

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

realized

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

restnounUS /rest/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

Roosevelt

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

sad

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

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

said

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

seething

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

Shakespere

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

Shaw

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

Shaw's

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

SHOULDmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

specify

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

speedy

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

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

successful

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

thinknounUS /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

thinks

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

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?

TRY

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

From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

VAUDEVILLE

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

From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?

wanted

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

words

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

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.

working

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.

WRITE

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

From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?

writer

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

From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."

writing

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

From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.

YOUpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.