The Will to Live by Edith Nesbit
The story revolves around the theme of the will to live and finding meaning in a seemingly meaningless life. The narrator reflects on the futility of human endeavors, suggesting that all efforts are vain and that good and bad things ultimately lead to madness. Despite this, the narrator advises embracing life's struggles and accepting the hardships that come with it. The poem also touches on the idea of desire and how it can be a source of suffering, advocating for the suppression of desires and the acceptance of one's fate. The narrative then shifts to a more personal tone, describing a father's reluctance to engage in life's pleasures, such as picking daisies with his daughter Molly, due to his awareness of life's hardships and the inevitability of death. Ultimately, the story presents a poignant portrayal of humanity's struggle to find purpose and happiness in a seemingly cruel and indifferent world.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1914 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Drama, Adventure · 691 words
First lines
SINCE Faith is a veil that has nothing behind it, And Hope wanders lost where no mortal can find it, Since Love is a mirror we break in a minute In snatching the image our soul has cast in it, What is the use of the Summers and Springs, The wave of the woods and the waft of the wings -- Since all means nothing, and good things and ill Make madness, -- a mirage tormenting us still?
What this Textopian page supports
The Will to Live is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Drama, Adventure
- Length: 691 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Will to Live by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Will to Live?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Psychological Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative primarily explores the mental and emotional complexities of the characters.
- Drama — The story is characterized by conflict and emotionally charged situations.
- Adventure — The plot involves a series of exciting and risky experiences and challenges.
Tags
Victorian Era · Children's Literature · Fantasy Fiction · Adventure Story · Coming of Age · Family Relationships · Friendship · Growing Up · Imagination · Magic Realism · Mystery Elements · Philosophical Themes