Love by Edith Nesbit (1904)
The poem explores the themes of love, purity, and redemption. The speaker reflects on their past dreams of living a pure life, untainted by worldly desires, but acknowledges that these dreams have been lost. They express a desire to be reunited with a loved one, hoping to regain a sense of innocence and purity. The poem also touches on the idea of worship and devotion, with the speaker describing a scene in a church where they pray to their beloved rather than to a higher power. The language is rich and sensual, emphasizing the depth of their emotions. In the final section, the speaker contemplates their own mortality and the judgment that awaits them. They imagine being shamed and exposed for their transgressions, but hope that their loved one will intervene on their behalf, pleading their case to God. However, in a surprising twist, the speaker declares that they never truly loved this person, suggesting a complex and troubled relationship.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1904 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction · 871 words
First lines
I.
_THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH FOR THE STAR._
What this Textopian page supports
Love is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction
- Length: 871 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Love 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 Love?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Love Song by Edith Nesbit
- We Two by Edna Lyall
- Via Amoris by Edith Nesbit
- Love Well The Hour by Edith Nesbit
- Love And Life by Edith Nesbit
- Her Marriage Lines by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Romance — Central theme revolves around love and relationships.
- Drama — Contains elements of conflict and emotional tension.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical period, with accurate historical details.
Tags
Romance · Family · Marriage · Relationships · Love Story · Victorian Era · Social Class · Women's Rights · Feminism · Societal Expectations · Personal Freedom · Emotional Struggle