First Sight of the Sea
First Sight of the Sea is a novel by George MacDonald that tells the story of a young man named David Elginbrod who travels to Scotland in search of his family's ancestral home. Along the way, he meets various characters and experiences many adventures before finally reaching his destination. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of nature.
By George MacDonald · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Autobiographical · 169 words
First lines
I do remember how, when very young, I saw the great sea first, and heard its swell As I drew nearer, caught within the spell Of its vast size and its mysterious tongue.
How the floor trembled, and the dark boat swung With a man in it, and a great wave fell Within a stone's cast! Words may never tell The passion of the moment, when I flung All childish records by, and felt arise A thing that died no more! An awful power I claimed with trembling hands and eager eyes, Mine, mine for ever, an immortal dower. -- The noise of waters soundeth to this hour When I look seaward through the quiet skies.
What this Textopian page supports
First Sight of the Sea is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1867 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: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Autobiographical, Philosophical
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for First Sight of the Sea by George MacDonald
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and the sublime experience of the sea align with Romantic literary traditions.
- Autobiographical — The first-person narrative and personal reflection suggest an autobiographical element.
- Philosophical — The exploration of existential themes and the profound impact of the sea on the narrator's consciousness indicate a philosophical dimension.
Tags
nature · sea · exploration · adventure · discovery · childhood · imagination · wonder · growth · friendship · journey · self-discovery