Prelude by Edith Nesbit (1902)
The poem describes a scene where clouds of white wings, symbolizing freedom and beauty, fly in from the west at sunset and out to the east at dawn. However, amidst this majestic display, a single white dove is drawn to the speaker's breast, only to later fly away into the west, suggesting a loss of personal freedom or a cherished aspect of life.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1902 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 122 words
First lines
Out of the west when the sun was dying Clouds of white wings came flying, flying, Wheeling and whirling they swept away Into the heart of the eastern gray; But one white dove came straight to my breast Out of the west.
Into the west when the dawn was pearly Clouds of white wings went, dewy-early, Straight from the world of the waning stars; O beating pinions! O prison bars! My dove flies free no more with the rest Into the west.
What this Textopian page supports
Prelude 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: 122 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Prelude 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 Prelude?
- 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
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a focus on adventure and imagination.
- 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
Victorian Era · Family Drama · Social Class · Coming of Age · Childhood · Growing Up · Siblings · Parental Relationships · Marriage · Infidelity · Adultery · Scandal