The Prodigal's Return
A young person, disillusioned with their life of indulgence, returns to their father's home, seeking refuge and guidance. They acknowledge their mistakes, feeling tired and lost, and express a desire to change their ways and be obedient. The poem conveys a sense of repentance, humility, and the longing for a deeper understanding of love and acceptance.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1905 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy · 165 words
First lines
I REACH my hand to thee! Stoop; take my hand in thine; Lead me where I would be, Father divine.
I do not even know The way I want to go, The way that leads to rest: But, Thou who knowest me, Lead where I cannot see, Thou knowest best.
Toys, worthless, yet desired, Drew me afar to roam.
Father, I am so tired; I am come home.
What this Textopian page supports
The Prodigal's Return 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: 165 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Prodigal's Return 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Prodigal's Return?
- 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 Things That Matter by Edith Nesbit
- Values by Edith Nesbit
- The Prodigal Son by Edith Nesbit
- The Princess And The Hedge Pig by Edith Nesbit
- Renunciation by Edith Nesbit
- Surrender by Edith Nesbit
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 and various challenges, typical of the adventure genre.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes elements of the fantastical and the supernatural.
Tags
Family Drama · Social Class · Wealth · Poverty · Redemption · Forgiveness · Personal Growth · Self-Discovery · Morality · Ethics · Victorian Era · British Literature