Dolcino to Margaret
The poem reflects on the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing the contrast between joy and sorrow, and the enduring warmth of love. It begins with the observation that life experiences fluctuate, with moments of happiness following periods of hardship. The speaker reassures his beloved that past grievances cannot be revisited, highlighting the transient nature of negative emotions. The warmth of a woman's love is contrasted with the coldness often associated with men, suggesting that love has the power to rejuvenate and uplift. The imagery of night giving way to day symbolizes hope and renewal, indicating that weariness can transform into joy with the dawn. The speaker expresses a sense of optimism, affirming that each new day brings the potential for happiness and fulfillment. The poem encapsulates themes of resilience, the power of love, and the inevitability of change, ultimately celebrating the strength found in companionship and the promise of new beginnings.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1870 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 120 words
First lines
The world goes up and the world goes down, And the sunshine follows the rain; And yesterday's sneer and yesterday's frown Can never come over again, Sweet wife: No, never come over again.
For woman is warm though man be cold, And the night will hallow the day; Till the heart which at even was weary and old Can rise in the morning gay, Sweet wife; To its work in the morning gay.
Andernach, 1851.
What this Textopian page supports
Dolcino to Margaret is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Kingsley, dated 1870 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Charles Kingsley
- Date: 1870 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Drama
- Length: 120 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dolcino to Margaret by Charles Kingsley
- 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 Dolcino to Margaret?
- How does this novel by Charles Kingsley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Pabo The Priest Sanctuary by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Vengeance Of Padre Arroyo by Gertrude Atherton
- Brother Jucundus by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Long Night by Stanley J. Weyman
- The Curate And The Actress by Rafael Sabatini
- My Lady Bountiful by Fred M. White
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is based on historical events and figures from the Middle Ages, hence it falls largely under Historical Fiction.
- Adventure — The novel contains elements of adventure such as conflict, risk, and danger, characteristic of the Adventure genre.
- Romance — The relationship and love story between Dolcino and Margaret give the plot a romantic angle.
- Drama — The narrative's conflict, internal struggle, and emotional intensity classify it as a Drama.
Tags
historical fiction · romance · adventure · medieval · Italy · religion · faith · love · conflict · sacrifice · social issues · character development