The December Rose by Edith Nesbit
The story revolves around a neglected corner of a garden that was once overlooked during the summer, but surprisingly produces a beautiful rose in December. The poem suggests that even in the darkest and coldest of times, beauty can still emerge, and that what is often overlooked or underappreciated can ultimately flourish.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 118 words
First lines
HERE'S a rose that blows for Chloe, Fair as ever a rose in June was, Now the garden's silent, snowy, Where the burning summer noon was.
In your garden's summer glory One poor corner, shelved and shady, Told no rosy, radiant story, Grew no rose to grace its lady.
What shuts sun out shuts out snow too; From his nook your secret lover Shows what slighted roses grow to When the rose you chose is over.
What this Textopian page supports
The December Rose is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Mystery
- Length: 118 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The December Rose 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 The December Rose?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Garden by Edith Nesbit
- Chloe by Edith Nesbit
- The Return by Edith Nesbit
- The Shadow In The Moonlight by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- On The Medway by Edith Nesbit
- Silence by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The story is primarily targeted towards young readers, featuring a child protagonist and themes of adventure and friendship.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a thrilling journey and quest, involving elements of danger and excitement.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period and incorporates historical events and figures into the plot.
- Mystery — The story involves elements of suspense, secrets, and discovery, driving the plot forward.
Tags
Victorian Era · Children's Literature · Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Friendship · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Growth · Change · Winter · Christmas