Before Winter by Edith Nesbit (1905)
The story revolves around the theme of loss and longing. The poem-like chapter describes a stormy night where the wind cries like a lost child, symbolizing the pain of separation. The sea-poppies and waves are battered by the strong winds, marking the end of summer and joy. The tortured tree branches grasp at the windows of a house, now closed and devoid of warmth. The "lost child of love" is a metaphor for a past love that has been lost, and the narrator remembers a time when the windows of their heart were open and bright, but are now shut tight with despair.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1905 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 126 words
First lines
THE wind is crying in the night, Like a lost child; The waves break wonderful and white And wild.
The drenched sea-poppies swoon along The drenched sea-wall, And there's an end of summer and of song- An end of all.
The fingers of the tortured boughs Gripped by the blast Clutch at the windows of your house Closed fast.
And the lost child of love, despair, Cries in the night, Remembering how once those windows were Open and bright.
What this Textopian page supports
Before Winter is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature, Coming of Age
- Length: 126 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Before Winter 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 Before Winter?
- How does this poem by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Justnowland by Edith Nesbit
- July by Edith Nesbit
- February by Edith Nesbit
- The Old Magic by Edith Nesbit
- The Destroyer by Edith Nesbit
- The Magic Flower by Edith Nesbit
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.
- Coming of Age — The narrative follows the growth and personal development of the protagonist.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Children's Literature · Classic · British Literature · Early 20th Century · Magic Realism · Quest · Good vs Evil · Friendship · Loyalty · Bravery