The Tree of Knowledge by Edith Nesbit
The story revolves around a narrator who seeks to acquire knowledge and enlightenment. They attempt to create a garland of delightful experiences from various sources but ultimately discover that the roots of true understanding are embedded in human relationships, implying that knowledge is deeply connected to interpersonal connections and emotions. The narrator's "garden" of knowledge is guarded by their own emotional investments, highlighting the complexities of seeking enlightenment.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1900 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 111 words
First lines
I PLUCKED the blossoms of delight / In many a wood and many a field, / I made a garland fair and bright / As any gardens yield.
But when I sought the living tree / To make new earth and Heaven new, / I found -- alas for you and me -- / Its roots were set in you.
Oh, dear my garden, where the fruit / Of lovely knowledge sweetly springs, / How jealously you guard the root / Of all enlightening things!
What this Textopian page supports
The Tree of Knowledge is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 111 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Tree of Knowledge 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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Similar titles
- Justnowland by Edith Nesbit
- Accidental Magic Or Dont Tell All You Know by Edith Nesbit
- May Day by Edith Nesbit
- Winter by Edith Nesbit
- White Magic by Edith Nesbit
- Before Winter by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a focus on adventure and moral lessons.
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements and fantastical creatures, typical of the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a series of exciting events and challenges faced by the characters.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Children's Literature · Classic · British Literature · Philosophical Fiction · Coming of Age · Family Relationships · Friendship · Growing Up · Imagination · Magic Realism