The Egoists by Edith Nesbit (1909)
The story revolves around two strangers who meet in a romantic setting, driven by their desires. However, they struggle to connect due to their vastly different backgrounds and lack of common language or understanding. As they try to reach out to each other, they realize how far apart they are, both physically and emotionally. Each calls out to the other, wanting to be understood and loved, but they remain stubbornly in their own places. The narrative explores the possibility of these two individuals coming together, overcoming their differences, and finding a deep emotional connection.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1909 · Genre: Fiction, Romance, Drama · 261 words
First lines
TWO strangers, from opposing poles, Meet in the torrid zone of Love: And their desire seems set above The limitation of their souls.
This is the trap; this is the snare, This is the false, enchanting light, And when it smoulders into night, How can each know the other is there?
They own no bond of common speech; Each, from far shores by wild winds brought, Gropes for some cord of common thought To draw the other within reach.
Each when the dark tide drowns their star, Cries out, "Thou art not one with me: One flesh we seemed when eyes could see, But now, how far thou art! How far!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Egoists is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Romance, Drama, Psychological
- Length: 261 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Egoists 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 Egoists?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Incomplete Amorist by Edith Nesbit
- The Reckoning by Edith Wharton
- The Pretext by Edith Wharton
- The Mission Of Jane by Edith Wharton
- Souls Belated by Edith Wharton
- The Touchstone by Edith Wharton
Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a created story, not based on real events.
- Romance — The plot revolves around the romantic relationships between characters.
- Drama — The narrative contains conflict and emotional tension.
- Psychological — The narrative explores the mental and emotional states of the characters.
Tags
Romance · Novel · Classic · Literary Fiction · Social Commentary · Satire · Humor · Witty Dialogue · Upper Class · Society · Marriage · Relationships