In a Churchyard by George MacDonald
In a Churchyard is a short story by George MacDonald about a man who visits a churchyard and has an encounter with the ghost of a woman he once loved. The story explores themes of love, loss, and redemption.
By George MacDonald · First published 1863 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature · 163 words
First lines
There may be seeming calm above, but no! -- There is a pulse below which ceases not, A subterranean working, fiery hot, Deep in the million-hearted bosom, though Earthquakes unlock not the prodigious show Of elemental conflict; and this spot Nurses most quiet bones which lie and rot, And here the humblest weeds take root and grow.
There is a calm upon the mighty sea, Yet are its depths alive and full of being, Enormous bulks that move unwieldily; Yet, pore we on it, they are past our seeing! -- From the deep sea-weed fields, though wide and ample, Comes there no rushing sound: _these_ do not trample!
What this Textopian page supports
In a Churchyard is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1863 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature, Reflective
- Length: 163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In a Churchyard by George MacDonald
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering In a Churchyard?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential and metaphysical concepts, reflecting on life, death, and the natural world.
- Nature — The imagery and descriptions focus heavily on natural elements and the environment.
- Reflective — The tone and content encourage introspection and contemplation about the human condition.
Tags
spirituality · faith · redemption · grief · loss · hope · forgiveness · community · nature · life · death · morality