To Her: In Time of War
The poem is a romantic and patriotic expression of a soldier's feelings on the eve of battle. He reflects on his past love poems and contrasts them with the present silence of nature and lovers due to the outbreak of war. Before departing, he wants to assure his beloved that if he does not return, she should take pride in their sacrifice for the greater good of humanity.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1914 · Genre: War, Romance, Historical Fiction · 160 words
First lines
ONCE I made for you songs, Rondels, triolets, sonnets; Verse that my love deemed due, Verse that your love found fair.
Now the wide wings of war Hang, like a hawk's, over England, Shadowing meadows and groves; And the birds and the lovers are mute.
Yet there's a thing to say Before I go into battle, Not now a poet's word But a man's word to his mate: Dear, if I come back never, Be it your pride that we gave The hope of our hearts, each other, For the sake of the Hope of the World.
1915.
What this Textopian page supports
To Her: In Time of War is listed on Textopian as an essay 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: Essay
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War, Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 160 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To Her: In Time of War 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 To Her: In Time of War?
- How does this essay by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does War first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- War — The narrative revolves around the experiences and impacts of war.
- Romance — The title and content suggest a romantic relationship affected by war.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical period, with war as a backdrop.
- Drama — The narrative involves conflict, emotion, and significant character development.
Tags
War Fiction · Romance · Historical Fiction · Love Story · WWI · British Literature · Classic Novel · Poetry · Epistolary · Letters · Correspondence · Female Protagonist