In Eclipse by Edith Nesbit (1896)
The story revolves around a past romantic relationship that has gone sour. The narrator reflects on the happy memories of their time together, contrasting them with the current state of despair and separation. They lament their choice to leave behind a peaceful existence and are now plagued by doubts and tears. The narrator yearns for forgiveness and reconciliation, seeking comfort in the midst of a bleak and unforgiving world.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 243 words
First lines
Pale veil of mist bound round the trees Pale fringe of rain upon the hills, Cold earth, cold sky and biting breeze That mock the withered daffodils.
And yet so short a while ago, The sunlight on the quickened land Laughed at the memory of the snow, And we went hand in hand.
Pale veil of doubt wound round my heart, Pale fringe of tears upon your eyes; Why did we choose the evil part? Why did we leave our Paradise? There were such green and pleasant ways Where you and I with happy heart Laughed at the old unhappy days, And now -- we are apart.
Will the sun shine again some day? Will you forgive me and forget? Chill is the east, the west is gray, And all our world with tears is wet.
What this Textopian page supports
In Eclipse is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama
- Length: 243 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In Eclipse by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering In Eclipse?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a rhythmic structure and rhyme scheme, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The work explores themes of love, separation, and longing, common in the romance genre.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and conflict in the work align with the drama genre.
Tags
Gothic Fiction · Mystery · Romance · Supernatural · Fantasy · Victorian Era · English Literature · Classic Novel · Dark Fantasy · Horror Elements · Paranormal · Ghost Story