The House of Earth
The House of Earth is a novel by Francis Sherman that tells the story of a family living in rural China during the early twentieth century. The book explores themes of tradition, modernity, and cultural identity as the characters navigate their changing world.
By Francis Sherman · First published 1932 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Melancholic · 163 words
First lines
O ye disconsolate and heavy-souled, That evening cometh when ye too shall learn The pangs of one who may no more return, To live again the uneven days of old.
Ye too shall weary of the myrrh and gold (Seeing the gods and their great unconcern), And, as I yearn to-day, your feet shall yearn To touch that Earth which ye afar behold.
Think now upon your grievous things to bear, -- Some goal unwon, some old sin's lurid stain, Your vistaed paths, -- are they not fair as hope?
But I between dead suns must peer, and grope Among forsaken worlds, one glimpse to gain Of my old place -- the heaviest shadow there.
What this Textopian page supports
The House of Earth is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francis Sherman, dated 1932 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Francis Sherman
- Date: 1932 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Melancholic, Classical, Reflective
- Length: 163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The House of Earth by Francis Sherman
- 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 The House of Earth?
- How does this poem by Francis Sherman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the human condition.
- Melancholic — The tone and subject matter are deeply sorrowful and reflective.
- Classical — The language and style are reminiscent of classical literature.
Tags
family · heritage · land · struggle · identity · rural · community · tradition · conflict · growth · nature · resilience