At the Last by Edith Nesbit (1900)
The story revolves around a protagonist who is searching for an unknown loved one. The narrator expresses longing and desperation to find this person, wondering if they have crossed paths unknowingly. They believe that fate will bring them together, but only at the moment of death, when it's too late. The poem-like narrative conveys a sense of melancholy and yearning.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1900 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 170 words
First lines
WHERE are you-you whose loving breath Alone can stay my soul from death? The world's so wide, I seek it through, Yet-dare I dream to win to you? Perhaps your dear desirèd feet Pass me in this grey muddy street.
Your face, it may be, has its shrine In that dull house that's next to mine.
But I believe, O Life, O Fate, That when I call on Death and wait One moment at the unclosing gate I shall turn back for one last gaze Along the trampled, sordid ways, And in the sunset see at last, Just as the barred gate holds me fast, Your face, your face, too late.
What this Textopian page supports
At the Last is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature, Romance
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At the Last 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 At the Last?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements and supernatural events.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a journey and exploration.
- Children's Literature — The story is written in a manner suitable for young readers.
- Romance — Elements of love and relationships are present in the narrative.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Crime Fiction · Detective Story · Murder Mystery · Whodunit · Classic Literature · Early 20th Century · British Literature · Female Protagonist · Amateur Detective