After Sixty Years by Edith Nesbit
This poem is a tribute to Queen Victoria on her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It celebrates her reign and the British Empire's expansion during that time. Here's a breakdown of the poem: **Stanzas 1-3**: The poem begins by addressing Queen Victoria directly, praising her as the mother of the English people and the symbol of their unity. It describes how her children (the English people) are scattered across the globe, yet still connected to her through love and loyalty. **Stanzas 4-6**: The poem highlights the vastness of the British Empire, with its territories stretching from the East Indies to the West Indies, and from the frozen tundras to the tropical isles. It emphasizes how people from all corners of the empire look up to Queen Victoria as their mother and leader. **Stanzas 7-9**: The poem shifts focus to the queen's personal life, describing her experiences of love, sorrow, loss, and triumph. It touches on her role as a wife, mother, and monarch, emphasizing how she has balanced these responsibilities with dignity and strength. **Stanzas 10-12**: The poem returns to the theme of the British Empire, celebrating its growth and prosperity under Queen Victoria's reign. It describes how people from all walks of life, from soldiers to scientists, have contributed to the empire's progress. **Stanzas 13-15**: The poem concludes by emphasizing the queen's triumphal day, with tributes pouring in from across the globe. It contrasts her reign with that of ancient Roman emperors, suggesting that hers is a more noble and benevolent rule. Throughout the poem, the language is formal and ornate, reflecting the grandeur and majesty of the occasion. The imagery is rich and evocative, drawing on themes of family, unity, power, and progress to create a sense of national pride and celebration.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1908 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 2,197 words
First lines
Ring, bells! flags, fly! and let the great crowd roar Its ecstasy. Let the hid heart in prayer Lift up your name. God bless you evermore, Lady, who have the noblest crown to wear That ever woman wore.
A jewel, in the front of time, shall blaze This day, of all your days commemorate; With Time's white bays your brows are laureate, And England's love shall garland all your days.
What this Textopian page supports
After Sixty Years is listed on Textopian as a novella by Edith Nesbit, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama
- Length: 2,197 words
- Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for After Sixty Years by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering After Sixty Years?
- How does this novella by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period and includes real events of the time.
- Romance — The plot revolves around a love story between the main characters.
- Drama — The narrative focuses on emotional relationships and conflicts.
Tags
Autobiography · Memoir · Biographical · Non-Fiction · Literary · Classic · Vintage · British Literature · Early 20th Century · Women Authors · Personal Narrative · Life Story