The Sea by Annie Fellows Johnston
This novel is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative revolves around a young protagonist who embarks on a journey to discover his place in the world. Along the way, he grapples with feelings of isolation, disconnection, and disillusionment. The story delves into the protagonist's inner struggles as he navigates the challenges of growing up, including the loss of innocence, the search for meaning, and the struggle to reconcile conflicting desires and loyalties. Through a non-linear narrative structure, the novel presents a fragmented and introspective portrayal of the protagonist's experiences. The text is characterized by its lyrical prose, which captures the nuances of the human experience with precision and sensitivity.
By Annie Fellows Johnston · First published 1920 · Genre: Adventure, Children's Literature, Fiction · 137 words
First lines
FOREVER, like a heart that knows no peace, Like one who wanders weary to and fro About the earth, but finds no resting-place, The sweeping tides of ocean ebb and flow.
Like a discarded lover who entreats For favor still, and will not be denied, Up to the beach, with soft, caressing touch And tearful broken whispers, steals the tide.
But still repulsed, it slow and sad withdraws, Yet at the dear one's feet its treasures lays, And turns again, to wail its sorrows out Through all the hopeless nights and dreary days.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sea is listed on Textopian as a short story by Annie Fellows Johnston, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Annie Fellows Johnston
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Children's Literature, Fiction, Coming of Age
- Length: 137 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sea by Annie Fellows Johnston
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Sea?
- How does this short story by Annie Fellows Johnston fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- By The Sea by Arthur Willis Colton
- Panaumbe Penaumbe And The Sea Lion by Basil Hall Chamberlain
- Here And There by Annie Fellows Johnston
- Hark Where Poseidons by Bliss Carman
- At The Seaside by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Long Time I Lay In Little Ease by Robert Louis Stevenson
Genres
- Adventure — The book focuses on seafaring and adventures at sea.
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at a younger audience, featuring elements of excitement and adventure in a child-friendly format.
- Fiction — The Sea is a work of prose narrative, making it a work of fiction.
- Coming of Age — The book chronicles the protagonist's growth and personal development on their journey.
Tags
sea · ocean · beach · water · nature · landscapes · desert · islands · tides · waves · surfing · boating
More by Annie Fellows Johnston
- Mildred's Inheritance; Just Her Way; Ann's Own Way (1906)
- The Quilt that Jack Built; How He Won the Bicycle (1904)
- The Legend of the Bleeding-heart (1907)
- Big Brother (1893)
- In the Desert of Waiting: The Legend of Camel-back Mountain (1904)
- Georgiana of the Rainbows (1920)
- The Little Colonel (1907)
- The Gate of the Giant Scissors (1920)
- All works by Annie Fellows Johnston