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.
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: Fairly Easy (7th 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
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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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