A Portrait by Edith Nesbit (1880)
The poem describes a woman's beauty and charm, likening her to natural elements such as silver birch trees, twilight skies, clouds, and the moon. Her eyes are gray, her breast is soft, and her soul is bright and white. The poem also touches on the mystery of her inner self, suggesting that there is more to her than what meets the eye, and that her heart may be cold and hidden.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1880 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Nature · 160 words
First lines
Like the sway of the silver birch in the breeze of dawn Is her dainty way; Like the gray of a twilight sky or a starlit lawn Are her eyes of gray; Like the clouds in their moving white Is her breast's soft stir; And white as the moon and bright Is the soul of her.
Like murmur of woods in spring ere the leaves be green, Like the voice of a bird That sings by a stream that sings through the night unseen, So her voice is heard.
And the secret her eyes withhold In my soul abides, For white as the moon and cold Is the heart she hides.
What this Textopian page supports
A Portrait is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1880 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Nature
- Length: 160 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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- How does this poem by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, typical of poetry.
- Romantic — The work describes a woman in a romantic and idealized manner, characteristic of the Romantic genre.
- Nature — The work uses numerous nature metaphors and imagery, suggesting a strong connection to the Nature genre.
Tags
Family · Relationships · Marriage · Love · Romance · Social Class · Wealth · Status · Society · Victorian Era · England · 19th Century