The Return by Edith Nesbit (1905)
A deceased person returns to their former home, walking through the moonlit landscape and passing by various creatures that are not afraid of them. They approach their house, seeing it decorated with blossoming trees and a warm fire burning inside. The narrator tries to enter, calling out to whoever is inside, but receives no response. They weep, feeling forgotten and alone. However, two figures appear at the window, kissing and looking out at the moonlit garden. The narrator then returns to their own place, walking unseen and unheard once more.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1905 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 854 words
First lines
THE grass was gray with the moonlit dew, The stones were white as I came through; I came down the path by the thirteen yews, Through the blocks of shade that the moonlight hews.
And when I came to the high lych-gate I waited awhile where the corpses wait; Then I came down the road where the moonlight lay Like the fallen ghost of the light of day.
What this Textopian page supports
The 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: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature, Fiction
- Length: 854 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The 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 Return?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Chloe by Edith Nesbit
- White Magic by Edith Nesbit
- Accidental Magic Or Dont Tell All You Know by Edith Nesbit
- At The Gate by Edith Nesbit
- The Guardian Angel by Edith Nesbit
- November by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements and supernatural events.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a journey and exploration.
- Children's Literature — The story is written in a manner suitable for young readers.
- Fiction — The narrative is invented and not based on true events.
Tags
Fantasy · Children's Literature · Adventure · Mystery · Supernatural · Family · Relationships · Friendship · Growing Up · Self-Discovery · Psychological Insight · Victorian Era