The Lighthouse by Edith Nesbit
The poem is a metaphorical lighthouse, guiding the speaker through life's turmoil. It warns of impending dangers and offers salvation. The speaker asks the lighthouse to illuminate their own life's wreckage. The lighthouse serves as a beacon for both the wise and foolish, with the latter often misinterpreting its warnings, leading to their downfall. If a ship is misled by the light, the lighthouse will absolve itself of responsibility, claiming it did its duty.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1922 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 124 words
First lines
Above the rocks, above the waves Shines the strong light that warns and saves.
So you, too high for storm or strife, Light up the shipwreck of my life.
The lighthouse warns the wise, but these Not only sail the stormy seas; Towards the light the foolish steer And, drowning, read its meaning, dear.
And, if the lamp by chance allure Some foolish ship to death, be sure The lamp will to itself protest: "His be the blame! I did my best! "
What this Textopian page supports
The Lighthouse is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1922 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: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 124 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lighthouse 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 Lighthouse?
- 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 story is primarily aimed at young readers, with a simple and engaging narrative, and themes of adventure and imagination.
- Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements and fantastical settings, typical of the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and exploration, characteristic of adventure stories.
Tags
Classic · Children's Literature · Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Family · Friendship · Growing Up · Imagination · Island Life · Lighthouse · Maritime