Alone now, the widow reads considerably. (Para. 1)
Meaning: The widow now lives alone and, therefore, reads much because she has much time for herself.
Notice that the word "alone" can be used both as an adjective and adverb:
One boy alone can do this work. 只要一个男孩就可以做这项工作。
The boy walked alone along the street. 这男孩一个人在街上走。
widow: n. woman whose husband has died and who has not married again
The short story is about a widow on her dying bed who recalled her life. 这部短篇小说描写一位寡妇临终前回顾自己的一生。
Cf. widower : man whose wife has died and who has not married again 鳏夫
Please notice that one can speak of a man's widow: "Margaret is John's widow". But if the woman dies first, one does not say "John is Margaret's widower", but only "John is a widower".
considerably: ad. much, a great deal
She is considerably more tired from doing exercises. 她做练习做得相当累。
considerable: a. a lot of
Considerable experience is required to become a general in the army. 要成为一名将军，需要相当的经验。
For most people, it takes considerable effort to learn a long poem by heart. 对于大多数人来说，背诵一首长诗需要下很大的气力。