On the Source of the Arve
The novel On the Source of the Arve by George MacDonald tells the story of a young man named Paul who travels to Switzerland in search of his missing brother. Along the way, he meets a mysterious woman named Annie and becomes entangled in her own quest for answers about her past. As they journey together through the Swiss Alps, they encounter danger, adventure, and ultimately discover the truth about themselves and each other.
By George MacDonald · First published 1876 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism · 162 words
First lines
Hears't thou the dash of water, loud and hoarse, With its perpetual tidings upward climb, Struggling against the wind? Oh, how sublime!
For not in vain from its portentous source Thy heart, wild stream, hath yearned for its full force, But from thine ice-toothed caverns, dark as time, At last thou issuest, dancing to the rime Of thy outvolleying freedom! Lo, thy course Lies straight before thee as the arrow flies!
Right to the ocean-plains away, away!
Thy parent waits thee, and her sunset dyes Are ruffled for thy coming, and the gray Of all her glittering borders flashes high Against the glittering rocks! -- oh, haste, and fly!
What this Textopian page supports
On the Source of the Arve is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1876 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: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism
- Length: 162 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The work vividly describes natural elements, emphasizing the beauty and power of the natural world.
- Romanticism — The themes of sublime nature and emotional expression align with Romantic literary traditions.
Tags
nature · landscape · river · travel · exploration · philosophy · impressionism · scenery · romanticism · reflection · beauty · spirituality