Dorcas by George MacDonald (1863)
"Dorcas" by George MacDonald is a novel about a young woman named Dorcas who lives in a small village in Scotland during the early 19th century. The story follows her journey of self-discovery as she navigates through various relationships and experiences, including love, loss, and spiritual growth. Along the way, she encounters a number of interesting characters, each with their own unique perspectives on life and faith. Ultimately, Dorcas learns to embrace her true identity and find peace within herself.
By George MacDonald · First published 1863 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Poetry, Inspirational · 242 words
First lines
If I might guess, then guess I would That, mid the gathered folk, This gentle Dorcas one day stood, And heard when Jesus spoke.
She saw the woven seamless coat -- Half envious, for his sake: "Oh, happy hands," she said, "that wrought The honoured thing to make!"
Her eyes with longing tears grow dim: She never can come nigh To work one service poor for him For whom she glad would die!
But, hark, he speaks! Oh, precious word! And she has heard indeed! "When did we see thee naked, Lord, And clothed thee in thy need?"
What this Textopian page supports
Dorcas is listed on Textopian as a novel by George MacDonald, dated 1863 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: 1863 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Poetry, Inspirational, Historical Fiction
- Length: 242 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dorcas by George MacDonald
- 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 Dorcas?
- How does this novel by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Woman Whom Satan Had Bound by George Macdonald
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- Gods Inheritance by Charles Kingsley
- The Friend Of Sinners by Charles Kingsley
Genres
- Religious Fiction — The narrative centers around a biblical story and themes of Christian service and devotion.
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, employing poetic devices and a lyrical style.
- Inspirational — The story aims to inspire readers through its depiction of selfless acts and spiritual teachings.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and characters are based on historical and biblical contexts, reflecting the time of Jesus.
Tags
faith · redemption · love · sacrifice · spirituality · community · forgiveness · grace · selflessness · hope · suffering · transformation