The Home-Coming by Edith Nesbit
The story revolves around a speaker who has returned to their former home, now empty and devoid of love. The speaker reminisces about the past, recalling the warmth and happiness that once filled the space. However, the atmosphere has drastically changed, with the departure of the loved one leaving the room bare and the door wide open. Despite the passage of time, the speaker still holds onto the memories and emotions, feeling a lingering sense of ownership and connection to the house.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1908 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 166 words
First lines
THIS was our house. To this we came Lighted by love with torch aflame, And in this chamber, door locked fast, I held you to my heart at last.
This was our house. In this we knew The worst that Time and Fate can do.
You left the room bare, wide the door; You did not love me any more.
Where once the kind warm curtain hung The spider's ghostly cloth is flung; The beetle and the woodlouse creep Where once I loved your lovely sleep.
What this Textopian page supports
The Home-Coming is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Home-Coming by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Home-Coming?
- 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
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is centered around children and their experiences.
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements and fantastical occurrences.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and a series of exciting events.
Tags
Family · Children's Literature · Fantasy · Adventure · Magic · Imagination · Growing Up · Sibling Relationships · Parental Love · Homecoming · Journey · Quest