The Prodigal Son by Edith Nesbit
A prodigal son, weary and defeated, is urged to return home after losing his battles and facing the harsh realities of the world. He is promised a warm welcome, with the best robe and his father's ring waiting for him. Though he will have to pay the price for his mistakes, he will find comfort in his family's love, particularly in his sister's kisses and his mother's tears.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1905 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy · 226 words
First lines
COME home, come home, for your eyes are sore With the glare of the noonday sun, And nothing looks as it did before, And the best of the day is done.
You have played your match, and ridden your race, You have fought in your fight -- and lost; And life has set its claws in your face, And you know what the scratches cost.
Out there the world is cruel and loud, It strikes at the beaten man; Come out of the press of the stranger crowd To the place where your life began.
The best robe lies in the cedar chest, And your father's ring is here; You have known the worst, come home to the best -- You will pay for it, never fear!
What this Textopian page supports
The Prodigal Son is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy
- Length: 226 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Prodigal Son 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Prodigal Son?
- 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
- The Prodigals Return by Edith Nesbit
- Coals Of Fire by Edith Nesbit
- Renunciation by Edith Nesbit
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a simple and engaging plot, and moral lessons.
- Adventure — The story involves a journey, physical challenges, and elements of danger and excitement.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes magical elements and fantastical creatures, which are not found in the real world.
Tags
Family Drama · Classic Literature · Children's Fiction · Victorian Era · Social Class · Wealth and Poverty · Sibling Relationships · Parental Expectations · Rebellion · Coming of Age · Morality Tale · Christian Allegory