A Hidden Life by George MacDonald
A Hidden Life is a novel by George MacDonald that tells the story of a young man named Robert Falconer who struggles to find his place in life and comes to understand the true meaning of love. The book explores themes of faith, redemption, and self-discovery as Robert navigates through various challenges and relationships.
By George MacDonald · First published 1864 · Genre: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Allegory · 16,191 words
First lines
Proudly the youth, by manhood sudden crowned, Went walking by his horses to the plough, For the first time that morn. No soldier gay Feels at his side the throb of the gold hilt (Knowing the blue blade hides within its sheath, As lightning in the cloud) with more delight, When first he belts it on, than he that day Heard still the clank of the plough-chains against The horses' harnessed sides, as to the field They went to make it fruitful. O'er the hill The sun looked down, baptizing him for toil.
A farmer's son he was, and grandson too; Yea, his great-grandsire had possessed these fields.
What this Textopian page supports
A Hidden Life is listed on Textopian as a novel by George MacDonald, dated 1864 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1864 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Allegory, Romance, Literary Fiction
- Length: 16,191 words
- Structure: 1 section, 283 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Hidden Life by George MacDonald
- 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 A Hidden Life?
- How does this novel by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Salted With Fire by George Macdonald
- A Rough Shaking by George Macdonald
- The Sweeper Of The Floor by George Macdonald
- The Transfiguration by Charles Kingsley
- The Human by George Macdonald
- The Dawn by George Macdonald
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative incorporates elements of the fantastical, with imaginative settings and characters that transcend the ordinary.
- Christian Fiction — The story explores themes of faith, spirituality, and moral lessons, aligning with Christian values and teachings.
- Allegory — The plot and characters serve as symbolic representations of deeper moral and philosophical ideas.
- Romance — There are elements of romantic relationships that play a significant role in the development of the story.
Tags
spirituality · faith · redemption · self-discovery · love · sacrifice · nature · morality · inner life · transformation · suffering · hope