White Magic by Edith Nesbit (1914)
The story revolves around a young woman who brings joy, beauty, and magic into a dull and bare room. Her presence transforms the space, filling it with music, color, and life. The poem describes how her glance can adorn the walls with splendor, and how she can breathe new life into the air. The room is forever changed by her presence, and it can never be the same again after she has been in it.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1914 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 153 words
First lines
THIS is the room to which she came, And Spring itself came with her; She stirred the fire of life to flame, She called all music hither.
Her glance upon the lean white walls Hung them with cloth of splendour, And still the rose she dropped recalls The graces that attend her.
The same poor room, so dull and bare Before, in consecration, She breathed upon its common air The true transfiguration . . .? This room the same to which she came For one immortal minute? - How can it ever be the same Since she has once been in it!
What this Textopian page supports
White Magic 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: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
- Length: 153 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for White Magic 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 White Magic?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Magic by Edith Nesbit
- Accidental Magic Or Dont Tell All You Know by Edith Nesbit
- The Vain Spell by Edith Nesbit
- The Shadow In The Moonlight by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- The Garden by Edith Nesbit
- November by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Fantasy — The book revolves around magical elements, supernatural phenomena, and mythical creatures.
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a simple and engaging style, and moral lessons embedded in the story.
- Adventure — The plot involves a series of exciting events and challenges that the characters must overcome.
Tags
Fantasy · Children's Literature · Magic Realism · Adventure · Mystery · Supernatural · Family · Friendship · Growing Up · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Good vs Evil