The Old Magic by Edith Nesbit (1908)
The story revolves around the theme of nostalgia, grief, and the power of memories. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a gray and gloomy seaside landscape, which serves as a metaphor for the loss and longing that permeate the tale. The poem-like prose describes the sea, sky, and gulls in hues of gray and white, evoking a sense of melancholy and mourning. However, amidst this somber atmosphere, the text suggests that even in death, there is a possibility of resurrection and renewal, driven by the "good magic" of memories and emotions. The story then shifts its focus to a child at play, whose laughter and joy serve as a testament to the enduring power of happy memories, which can transcend even death itself.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1908 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 187 words
First lines
GRAY is the sea, and the skies are gray; They are ghosts of our blue, bright yesterday; And gray are the breasts of the gulls that scream Like tortured souls in an evil dream.
There is white on the wings of the sea and sky, And white are the gulls' wings wheeling by, And white, like snow, is the pall that lies Where love weeps over his memories.
For the dead is dead, and its shroud is wrought Of good unfound and of wrong unsought; Yet from God's good magic there ever springs The resurrection of holy things.
See-the gold and blue of our yesterday In the eyes and the hair of a child at play; And the spell of joy that our youth beguiled Is woven anew in the laugh of the child.
What this Textopian page supports
The Old Magic is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
- Length: 187 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Old Magic 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 Old Magic?
- How does this poem by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Rye by Edith Nesbit
- Before Winter by Edith Nesbit
- February by Edith Nesbit
- White Magic by Edith Nesbit
- The Magic Ring by Edith Nesbit
- Silence by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements and supernatural occurrences.
- Children's Literature — The story is primarily aimed at young readers, with a simple and engaging narrative.
- Adventure — The plot involves a series of exciting events and challenges.
Tags
Fantasy · Children's Literature · Magic Realism · Adventure · Quest · Good vs Evil · Friendship · Loyalty · Courage · Self-Discovery · Growing Up · Coming of Age