The Monk by Edith Nesbit (1895)
The story revolves around a monk's introspection and spiritual struggle. In his cell, he reflects on past memories and hears voices from the past. He sees visions of worldly kingdoms and realizes the futility of his earthly pursuits. A soft voice reminds him that he gave up earthly pleasures for heavenly rewards, but cannot know heaven on earth. The monk confesses his weariness with prayer and vigil, seeking comfort and rest in death, hoping to find peace in Christ's presence.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Drama · 268 words
First lines
When in my narrow cell I lie, The long day's penance done at last, I see the ghosts of days gone by, And hear the voices of the past.
I see the blue-gray wood-smoke curled From hearths where life has rhymed to love, I see the kingdoms of the world -- The glory and the power thereof, And cry, "Ah, vainly have I striven! " And then a voice calls, soft and low: "Thou gavest My Earth to win My Heaven; But Heaven-on-Earth thou mayest not know!"
It is not for Thy Heaven, O Lord, That I renounced Thy pleasant earth -- The ship, the furrow, and the sword -- The dreams of death, the dreams of birth!
What this Textopian page supports
The Monk is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Drama
- Length: 268 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Monk?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Requiem by Edith Nesbit
- A Grave by Edith Wharton
- Haunted by Edith Nesbit
- Portents by Egerton Castle
- The Ballad Of The White Lady by Edith Nesbit
- Twilight Sleep by Edith Wharton
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a rhythmic and rhyming structure, typical of poetry.
- Religious — The work contains numerous references to religious themes, such as prayer, faith, Heaven, and Christ.
- Drama — The work presents a dramatic monologue, a form of dramatic poetry where a single character speaks to a silent listener, expressing inner thoughts and feelings.
Tags
Gothic Fiction · Mystery · Supernatural · Horror · Classic Literature · Victorian Era · Religious Themes · Catholicism · Monastic Life · Medieval Setting · Dark Fantasy · Suspenseful