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
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
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