Hope by Edith Nesbit (1916)
The story revolves around a magical world where a princess is asleep. The thrush's song hints at the possibility of spring returning, bringing with it new life and beauty to the world. The poem explores the idea of renewal and rebirth, questioning whether the sun will wake the princess and if winter will eventually pass.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1916 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 197 words
First lines
O THRUSH, is it true? Your song tells Of a world born anew, Of fields gold with buttercups, woodlands all blue With hyacinth bells; Of primroses deep In the moss of the lane, Of a Princess asleep And dear magic to do.
Will the sun wake the princess? O thrush, is it true? Will Spring come again?
Will Spring come again? Now at last With soft shine and rain Will the violet be sweet where the dead leaves have lain? Will Winter be past? In the brown of the copse Will white wind-flowers star through Where the last oak-leaf drops? Will the daisies come too, And the may and the lilac? Will Spring come again? O thrush, is it true?
What this Textopian page supports
Hope is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 197 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hope 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 Hope?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- April by Edith Nesbit
- February by Edith Nesbit
- Saturday Song by Edith Nesbit
- The Skylark by Edith Nesbit
- Kenneth And The Carp by Edith Nesbit
- July by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a simple and engaging plot, and themes of adventure and morality.
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements and fantastical creatures, typical of the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and a quest, elements commonly found in adventure stories.
Tags
Children's Literature · Fantasy · Adventure · Family · Friendship · Growing Up · Self-Discovery · Coming of Age · Magic Realism · Imagination · Youth · Innocence