The Point of View: II by Edith Nesbit
The poem explores the theme of disillusionment and the fleeting nature of hope. The speaker describes a state of despair, where old hopes are dead and the soul is shrouded in darkness. However, this despair is followed by a sense of false delight, where the speaker is tempted to indulge in a fantasy of happiness. Ultimately, the poem suggests that both despair and delight are illusions, and that reality is complex and multifaceted.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1909 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 261 words
First lines
I
IN the wood of lost causes, the valley of tears, / Old hopes, like dead leaves, choke the difficult way; / Dark pinions fold dank round the soul, and it hears: / "It is night, it is night, it has never been day; / Thou hast dreamed of the day, of the rose of delight; / It was always dead leaves and the heart of the night.
Drink deep then, and rest, O thou foolish wayfarer, / For night, like a chalice, holds sleep in her hands."
II
What this Textopian page supports
The Point of View: II is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 261 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Point of View: II by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Prodigals Return by Edith Nesbit
- The Fulness Of Life by Edith Wharton
- The Porridge by Parker Fillmore
- The Partners by Parker Fillmore
- A Novel Of Color by Voltairine De Cleyre
- The Fairy by Anne Frank
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a focus on adventure and moral lessons.
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements and fantastical settings.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a series of exciting events and challenges.
Tags
Short Story · Literary Fiction · Philosophical · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Stream of Consciousness · Experimental Writing · Modernist Literature · Early 20th Century · British Literature · Feminist Literature · Social Commentary