Longing by George MacDonald (1879)
"Longing" is a novel by George MacDonald that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The story follows the journey of a young man named David Elginbrod as he navigates his way through life after experiencing tragedy in his youth. Along the way, he encounters various characters who help him to understand himself and the world around him better. Ultimately, "Longing" is a tale about the power of love to transform lives and bring hope even in the darkest of times.
By George MacDonald · First published 1879 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Nature · 441 words
First lines
My heart is full of inarticulate pain, And beats laborious. Cold ungenial looks Invade my sanctuary. Men of gain, Wise in success, well-read in feeble books, No nigher come, I pray: your air is drear; 'Tis winter and low skies when ye appear.
Beloved, who love beauty and fair truth, Come nearer me; too near ye cannot come; Make me an atmosphere with your sweet youth; Give me your souls to breathe in, a large room; Speak not a word, for, see, my spirit lies Helpless and dumb; shine on me with your eyes.
What this Textopian page supports
Longing is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1879 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: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Nature, Philosophical, Romantic
- Length: 441 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Longing 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 Longing?
- 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
- Unrest by George Macdonald
- The Human by George Macdonald
- Second Sight by George Macdonald
- Hunger by George Macdonald
- A Cry by George Macdonald
- To The Same by George Macdonald
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetic works.
- Spiritual — The themes revolve around a longing for divine connection and spiritual fulfillment, with references to God and sacred spaces.
- Nature — There is a strong emphasis on natural imagery, such as mountains, seas, and skies, reflecting a deep appreciation for the natural world.
- Philosophical — The text explores existential themes, such as the search for meaning and the nature of solitude, indicative of philosophical inquiry.
Tags
desire · yearning · spirituality · faith · love · redemption · self-discovery · imagination · fantasy · mysticism · human experience · inner conflict