As It Is by Edith Nesbit (1902)
The story revolves around the theme of escapism, longing for freedom, and the constraints of reality. The narrator imagines a world where they and someone else have wings, allowing them to soar above the noise and chaos of everyday life, reaching a state of serenity and fearlessness. However, this fantasy is juxtaposed with the harsh reality of being confined to a small, gloomy space, prompting feelings of sadness and despair.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1902 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 125 words
First lines
IF you and I Had wings to fly- Great wings like seagulls' wings- How would we soar Above the roar Of loud unneeded things!
We two would rise Through changing skies To blue unclouded space, And undismayed And unafraid Meet the sun face to face.
But wings we know not; The feathers grow not To carry us so high; And low in the gloom Of a little room We weep and say good-bye.
What this Textopian page supports
As It Is is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 125 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for As It Is by Edith Nesbit
- 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 As It Is?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Faith by Edith Nesbit
- The Vain Spell by Edith Nesbit
- The Threefold Destiny by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Men Made Gods by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Three Souls by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Thrushs Nest by J. M. Barrie
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a focus on adventure and moral lessons.
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements and fantastical settings.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a series of exciting events and challenges.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Romance · Mystery · Supernatural · Fiction · Novel · Classic · Literature · British · Early 20th Century · Psychological Insight