Despair by Edith Nesbit (1905)
The poem's speaker is consumed by despair, having lost all sense of self and surroundings except for a romantic obsession. They are drawn to the beloved's beauty, comparing it to rich flowers and scented hours. The speaker has forgotten their past, including idyllic memories of nature, and can only think of the beloved. They express a desire to be like happy, honest men who have lived good lives and are now at peace in their graves, implying a sense of desperation and longing for escape from their emotional turmoil.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1905 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Mystery · 199 words
First lines
SMILE on me, mouth of red -- so much too red, Shine on me, eyes which darkened lashes shade, Turn, turn my way, oh glorious golden head, My soul is lost, then let the price be paid! Amid rich flowers your rosy lamplight gleams, Amid rich hangings pass your scented hours, And woods and fields are green but in my dreams, And only in my dreams grow meadow-flowers.
I have forgotten everything but you -- The apple orchard where the whitethroat sings, The quiet fields, the moonlight, and the dew, The virgin's bower that in wet hedgerow clings.
What this Textopian page supports
Despair is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Mystery, Tragedy
- Length: 199 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Despair 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 Despair?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Afterward by Edith Wharton
- The Ghost by Edith Nesbit
- A Death Bed Confession by Edith Nesbit
- Fear by Edith Nesbit
- A Dirge In Gray by Edith Nesbit
- His Mansion by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The narrative is characterized by elements of fear, horror, death, and gloom, as well as romantic elements, such as nature, individuality, and very high emotion.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the mental and emotional states of the characters, exploring their inner thoughts and feelings.
- Mystery — The narrative involves elements of suspense, uncertainty, and enigmatic situations that the characters must resolve.
- Tragedy — The narrative is marked by distressing or unfortunate events causing suffering or despair to the characters.
Tags
Victorian Era · Gothic Fiction · Mystery · Suspense · Thriller · Psychological Fiction · Family Drama · Marriage · Infidelity · Adultery · Deception · Secrets