The Star by Edith Nesbit (1906)
A poet is discouraged from singing about a beautiful, unseen star by the world, which instead wants songs about tangible things like marshlights and glow-worms. The poet reluctantly agrees to sing about these earthly wonders, earning praise and rewards. However, once they have gained success and wealth, they decide to return to singing about their beloved star. But when they finally lift their eyes to the sky, they discover that their star has vanished.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 358 words
First lines
I HAD a star to sing by, a beautiful star that led, But when I sang of its splendour the world in its wisdom said: "Sweet are your songs, yet the singer sings but in madness when He hymns but stars unbeholden of us his fellows of men; Glow-worms we see and marshlights; sing us sweet songs of those For the guerdons we have to give you, laurel and gold and rose; Or if you must sing of stars, unseen of your brother man, Go, starve with your eyes on your vision; your star may save if it can!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Star is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
- Length: 358 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Star 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 Star?
- 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 Fire by Edith Nesbit
- Before Winter by Edith Nesbit
- Lullaby by Edith Nesbit
- The Magic Ring by Edith Nesbit
- Mother Song by Edith Nesbit
- Justnowland by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The story is written in a simple, engaging style suitable for children, with a focus on adventure and imagination.
- Fantasy — The plot involves magical elements, such as a star that can be visited and interacted with.
- Adventure — The narrative follows a journey to a star, involving various challenges and encounters.
- Science Fiction — The story involves elements of space travel and exploration, albeit in a fantastical context.
Tags
Fantasy · Children's Literature · Short Story · Fiction · Classic · British Literature · Victorian Era · Magical Realism · Whimsical · Imagination · Adventure · Quest