Man-size in Marble by Edith Nesbit
The story follows the adventures of two children, Peter and Phyllis, who are sent to stay with their aunt in the country. While exploring the grounds of their aunt's house, they discover a secret passage leading to a hidden room. Inside the room is a marble statue of a man, which comes to life when they touch it. The man, named Marius, is a Roman soldier who was turned to stone by a witch centuries ago. He tells the children of his plight and begs them to help him find a way to break the spell. The children set off on a quest to find the witch and break the spell. Along the way, they encounter a variety of magical creatures and face many dangers. They must use their wits and courage to overcome the obstacles in their path and ultimately succeed in freeing Marius from his curse. Man-size in Marble is a classic fantasy novel that is sure to delight readers of all ages. With its exciting plot and vivid characters, it is a timeless tale of courage and friendship.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1924 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 2 chapters · 5,482 words
First lines
Although every word of this story is as true as despair, I do not expect people to believe it. Nowadays a "rational explanation" is required before belief is possible. Let me then, at once, offer the "rational explanation" which finds most favour among those who have heard the tale of my life's tragedy. It is held that we were "under a delusion," Laura and I, on that 31st of October; and that this supposition places the whole matter on a satisfactory and believable basis. The reader can judge, when he, too, has heard my story, how far this is an "explanation," and in what sense it is "rational." There were three who took part in this: Laura and I and another man. The other man still lives, and can speak to the truth of the least credible part of my story.
What this Textopian page supports
Man-size in Marble is listed on Textopian as a novella by Edith Nesbit, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure, Romance
- Length: 5,482 words
- Structure: 2 chapters, 186 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Man-size in Marble 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 Man-size in Marble?
- How does this novella 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 book follows a young girl's journey to a magical world of marble statues, which she must save from destruction.
- Children's Literature — The book is written for a young audience and follows a young girl's journey of self-discovery.
- Adventure — The book follows a young girl's journey to a magical world of marble statues, which she must save from destruction.
- Romance — The book features a romantic subplot between the protagonist and a marble statue.
Tags
fantasy · children's literature · Edith Nesbit · marble · adventure · mystery · friendship · imagination · supernatural · Victorian · sculpture · coming of age
Contents
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Man-size in Marble