The Betrothal by Edith Nesbit (1899)
The story revolves around a romantic relationship between two individuals, with the narrator acknowledging his own unsuitability for the woman due to his melancholic nature and lack of hopes or dreams. Despite this, he is drawn to her innocence and goodness, recognizing that she has taught him about his own loneliness. The narrative explores the themes of unrequited love, the passing of time, and the fleeting nature of beauty.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1899 · Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama · 181 words
First lines
There is none anywhere So beautiful as she nor half so dear; My heart sings ever when she draweth near, Because she is so good and sweet and fair.
I may not be the one To break the cloistered stillness of her life, To teach her passion and love and grief and strife, And lead her through the garden of the sun.
For I am sad and wise; I have no hopes, no dreams, no fancies -- none; Yet she has taught me that I am alone, And what men mean who talk of Paradise.
But, when her joybells ring, I think, perhaps, that I shall hear and sigh And wish the roses did not have to die, And that the birds might never cease to sing.
What this Textopian page supports
The Betrothal is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 181 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Betrothal by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Betrothal?
- 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
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Genres
- Romance — The narrative revolves around the romantic relationship between the main characters.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical period and includes references to real historical events.
- Drama — The narrative includes intense, emotional situations and conflicts.
Tags
Romance · Fiction · Classic · Literature · Novel · Love Story · Marriage · Relationships · Family Drama · Social Class · Wealth · Status