In the Shallows by Edith Nesbit
The narrator describes their connection to the sea, where they find treasures and companions among the shallow waters. However, they also claim mastery over the deeper parts of the ocean, where fairy flowers bloom and treasure houses filled with pearls exist. Despite this, the narrator no longer visits these depths due to the presence of sunken argosies, lost treasures, and the cruel laughter of sea creatures surrounding the remains of noble ships that never reached their destination.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1935 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 236 words
First lines
AMONG the shallows where the sand Is golden and the waves are small, I love to lie, and to my hand How many little treasures fall! What shells and seaweed grace the shore, What happy birds on happy wings, And for companions, what a store Of humble, happy, living things!
Yet the sea's depths are also mine, And in the old days I used to dive Into the caves, where corals shine And where the shimmering mer-folk live.
I am the master of the sea In deeps where fairy flowers uncurl; That treasure-house belongs to me, Those amber halls, those stairs of pearl.
But now thereto I go no more, Because of all the argosies, Deep sunk upon the ocean floor, Where all the world's lost treasure lies.
What this Textopian page supports
In the Shallows is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1935 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: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature, Coming of Age
- Length: 236 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Shallows by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering In the Shallows?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements and mythical creatures.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a quest or journey.
- Children's Literature — The story is written in a manner suitable for young readers.
- Coming of Age — The narrative follows the protagonist's growth and personal development.
Tags
Children's Literature · Fantasy · Adventure · Coming-of-Age · Family · Friendship · Growing-Up · Imagination · Magic Realism · Mystery · Nature · Psychological Fiction