Wishes by G.K. Chesterton (1908)
Wishes is a collection of short stories by G.K. Chesterton that explore the theme of wishes and their consequences. The book includes tales about characters who make wishes that come true in unexpected ways, as well as those who regret not making certain wishes.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1908 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Fantasy, Satire · 1,486 words
First lines
Most of us, I suppose, have amused ourselves with the old and flippant fancy of what poets or orators would feel like if their wild wishes came true. The poet would be not a little surprised if the (somewhat inadequate) wings of a dove suddenly sprouted from his shoulder-blades. And I suspect that even the baby who cries for the moon would be rather frightened if it fell out of the sky, crushing forests and cities like a colossal snowball, shutting out the stars and darkening the earth it had illuminated. Shelley was magnificently moved when he wished to be a cloud driven before the wild West Wind: but even Shelley would have been not a little disconcerted if he had found himself turning head-over-heels in mid-air the instant he had written the line. He would even be somewhat relieved, I fancy, to fall upon the thorns of life and bleed a little more. When Keats, the human nightingale, lay listening to the feathered one, he expressed a strong desire for a long drink of red wine.
What this Textopian page supports
Wishes is listed on Textopian as a short story by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Fantasy, Satire, Literary Fiction, Allegory
- Length: 1,486 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Wishes by G.K. Chesterton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Wishes?
- How does this short story by G.K. Chesterton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- To Morrow by George Macdonald
- The Dreamer by Saki
- The Song Of The Flying Fish by G. K. Chesterton
- The Inn Finds Wings by G. K. Chesterton
- Mirls by George Macdonald
- The Moon by George Macdonald
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores deep philosophical themes about the nature of wishes, reality, and identity.
- Fantasy — Incorporates elements of magic and supernatural transformations, such as wishes coming true and their consequences.
- Satire — Uses humor and irony to critique human desires and societal norms.
- Literary Fiction — Focuses on complex themes and character introspection, with a sophisticated writing style.
Tags
fantasy · imagination · desire · whimsy · philosophy · morality · human nature · dreams · narrative · allegory · adventure · childhood