Born of Water by George MacDonald
Born of Water is a novel by George MacDonald that tells the story of a young man named David Elginbrod who discovers his true identity and purpose in life through a series of spiritual experiences. The book explores themes such as faith, redemption, and the power of love to transform lives.
By George MacDonald · First published 1874 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Philosophical · 169 words
First lines
Methought I stood among the stars alone, Watching a grey parched orb which onward flew Half blinded by the dusty winds that blew, Empty as Death and barren as a stone, The pleasant sound of water all unknown!
When, as I looked in wonderment, there grew, High in the air above, a drop of dew, Which, gathering slowly through long cycles, shone Like a great tear; and then at last it fell Clasping the orb, which drank it greedily, With a delicious noise and upward swell Of sweet cool joy that tossed me like a sea; And then the thick life sprang as from a grave, With trees, flowers, boats upon the bounding wave!
What this Textopian page supports
Born of Water is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1874 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1874 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Philosophical, Allegory
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Born of Water 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 Born of Water?
- How does this poem by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on imagery and metaphor, characteristic of poetic writing.
- Fantasy — The imagery of standing among stars and the transformation of a barren orb suggests a fantastical setting and elements.
- Philosophical — The themes of life, death, and rebirth, as well as the contemplative tone, indicate philosophical exploration.
- Allegory — The narrative can be interpreted as an allegory for renewal and transformation, using symbolic elements.
Tags
fantasy · spirituality · adventure · mythology · self-discovery · redemption · love · sacrifice · nature · transformation · magic · innocence