November by Edith Nesbit (1902)
The poem describes a November scene, where the natural world is barren and lifeless. The garden is sodden, flowers are dead, and trees are leafless. In contrast, the speaker is indoors, by the fireside, reflecting on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. Despite the bleakness outside, the speaker acknowledges that summer will return, but also mourns the loss of youthful vitality that cannot be regained.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1902 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 200 words
First lines
Low lines of leaden clouds sweep by Across the gold sun and blue sky, Which still are there eternally.
Above the sodden garden-bed Droop empty flower-stalks, dry and dead, Where the tall lily bent its head Over carnations white and red.
The leafless poplars, straight and tall, Stand by the gray-green garden wall, From which such rare fruit used to fall.
In the verandah, where of old Sweet August spent the roses' gold, Round the chill pillars, shivering, fold Garlands of rose-thorns, sharp with cold.
What this Textopian page supports
November is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 200 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for November 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 November?
- How does this poem by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- White Magic by Edith Nesbit
- Magic by Edith Nesbit
- Accidental Magic Or Dont Tell All You Know by Edith Nesbit
- The Magic City by Edith Nesbit
- The Blue Mountain by Edith Nesbit
- February by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a focus on adventure and moral lessons.
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements and fantastical creatures, typical of the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a series of exciting events and challenges faced by the characters.
Tags
Children's Literature · Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Supernatural · Ghosts · Haunted House · Family · Siblings · Friendship · Growing Up · Coming of Age