It Is Good to Be Alive
The work celebrates the joy of existence through vivid imagery of nature. The narrator expresses a profound appreciation for life, emphasizing the beauty of the natural world. The text highlights the vibrant colors of trees and hills, the vastness of the sky, and the dynamic movement of clouds. The strong winds and the rhythmic ebb and flow of the sea further enhance the sense of vitality and freedom. Each stanza reinforces the theme of gratitude for the simple yet profound experiences of being alive. The narrator finds solace and exhilaration in the elements, suggesting that the essence of life is intertwined with nature's splendor. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and fulfillment, illustrating how the external world can reflect internal joy. The work ultimately conveys a message of optimism and appreciation for the present moment, encouraging readers to recognize and celebrate the beauty surrounding them. Through its lyrical quality and evocative descriptions, the piece invites contemplation on the significance of life and the natural environment, affirming that existence itself is a source of wonder and delight.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1899 · Genre: Feminist Literature, Autobiography, Social Commentary · 111 words
First lines
It is good to be alive when the trees shine green, And the steep red hills stand up against the sky; Big sky, blue sky, with flying clouds between- It is good to be alive and see the clouds drive by!
It is good to be alive when the strong winds blow, The strong, sweet winds blowing straightly off the sea; Great sea, green sea, with swinging ebb and flow- It is good to be alive and see the waves roll free!
What this Textopian page supports
It Is Good to Be Alive is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1899 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Feminist Literature, Autobiography, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Philosophical
- Length: 111 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for It Is Good to Be Alive by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- 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 It Is Good to Be Alive?
- How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Feminist Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Feminist Literature — Charlotte Perkins Gilman is known for her works that encompass feminist ideas and themes, so it's likely this book also embodies such elements.
- Autobiography — Considering the title, the book may fall under the genre of autobiography, as it might describe personal experiences and perspectives from the author's life.
- Social Commentary — Much of Gilman's writings offer social commentary, particularly on the status of women, thus this book may incorporate these elements.
- Psychological Fiction — Given that Gilman often dealt with psychological themes in her literature, this book might also exist within the genre of psychological fiction.
Tags
life · existence · feminism · empowerment · mental health · self-discovery · personal growth · society · gender roles · independence · happiness · resilience