Chains Invisible by Edith Nesbit
The poem describes a serene natural setting with lilies, violets, and cuckoo flowers, where the speaker feels a sense of peace and connection to nature. However, despite this idyllic atmosphere, the speaker is aware of the presence of the city, feeling its influence even from a distance. The poem contrasts the beauty of nature with the oppressive force of urban life, personified as a "giant" that can be heard sighing and weeping. The speaker longs for a complete escape from the city's reach, craving solitude and silence in a wild, natural environment.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Literature, Urban Literature · 327 words
First lines
The lilies in my garden grow, Wide meadows ring my garden round, In that green copse wild violets blow, And pale, frail cuckoo flowers are found.
For all you see and all you hear, The city might be miles away, And yet you feel the city near Through all the quiet of the day.
What this Textopian page supports
Chains Invisible is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Literature, Urban Literature
- Length: 327 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Garden by Edith Nesbit
- Silence by Edith Nesbit
- Teint Neutre by Edith Nesbit
- The Vain Spell by Edith Nesbit
- May Day by Edith Nesbit
- Rye by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a rhythmic and rhyming structure, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Literature — The work extensively describes natural elements such as lilies, meadows, violets, and birds, indicating a strong nature theme.
- Urban Literature — The work contrasts the tranquility of nature with the presence and influence of the city, a common theme in urban literature.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Children's Literature · Classic · British Literature · Early 20th Century · Magic Realism · Imagination · Coming of Age · Family Relationships · Siblings · Growing Up