The Touchstone by Edith Nesbit
The story revolves around the narrator's encounter with a mysterious woman in a fantastical garden. The narrator is initially enchanted by the woman and the surroundings, believing it to be real. However, as the woman draws closer and declares her love, the narrator realizes that it is actually a dream. The narrative explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, as well as the themes of love, death, and deception.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction · 294 words
First lines
THERE was a garden, very strange and fair / With all the roses summer never brings.
The snowy blossom of immortal Springs / Lighted its boughs, and I, even I, was there.
There were new heavens, and the earth was new, / And still I told my heart the dream was true.
But when the sun stood still, and Time went out / Like a blown candle-when she came to me / Under the bride-veil of the blossomed tree, / Chill through the garden blew the winds of doubt, / And when, with starry eyes, and lips too near, / She leaned to me, my heart knew what to fear.
What this Textopian page supports
The Touchstone 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: Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction
- Length: 294 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Touchstone by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Romance — The narrative primarily revolves around the romantic relationships between characters.
- Drama — The story contains elements of conflict, tension, and emotional upheaval.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context of the story are based in a specific historical period.
Tags
Classic · Fantasy · Adventure · Romance · Mystery · Supernatural · Gothic · Victorian Era · English Literature · Youth Fiction · Coming of Age · Self Discovery