The Garden Refused by Edith Nesbit
The poem describes a longing for a beautiful and idyllic garden where dreams come true. However, the speaker is currently stuck in a difficult and unhappy world where people struggle and suffer. Despite this, the garden remains, full of roses, lilies, and sunny lawns, but it is inaccessible to the speaker.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 208 words
First lines
THERE is a garden made for our delight, Where all the dreams we dare not dream come true.
I know it, but I do not know the way.
We slip and tumble in the doubtful night, Where everything is difficult and new, And clouds our breath has made obscure the day.
The blank unhappy towns, where sick men strive, Still doing work that yet is never done; The hymns to Gold that drown their desperate voice; The weeds that grow where once corn stood alive, The black injustice that puts out the sun: These are our portion, since they are our choice.
What this Textopian page supports
The Garden Refused 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: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
- Length: 208 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Garden Refused 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 Garden Refused?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Chloe by Edith Nesbit
- The Garden by Edith Nesbit
- The Magic Flower by Edith Nesbit
- The Champion by Edith Nesbit
- Out Of The Fulness Of The Heart The Mouth Speaketh by Edith Nesbit
- Accidental Magic Or Dont Tell All You Know by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements and supernatural events.
- Children's Literature — The story is primarily aimed at young readers.
- Adventure — The plot involves a series of exciting events and challenges.
Tags
Children's Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Gardening · Imagination · Magic Realism · Coming of Age · Family Relationships · Friendship · Growing Up · Loss · Grief