Sleep by George MacDonald (1872)
The novel Sleep, by George MacDonald, tells the story of a young man named Ronald who falls into a deep sleep and wakes up in a strange world where he meets various characters and learns important lessons about life. The book is known for its vivid imagery and allegorical themes.
By George MacDonald · First published 1872 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Mystery · 420 words
First lines
Oh! is it Death that comes To have a foretaste of the whole?
To-night the planets and the stars Will glimmer through my window-bars But will not shine upon my soul!
What this Textopian page supports
Sleep is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1872 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: 1872 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Mystery, Fantasy
- Length: 420 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sleep 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 Sleep?
- 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
- The Dwellers Therein by George Macdonald
- No End Of No Story by George Macdonald
- A Book Of Dreams Part Ii by George Macdonald
- The Moon by George Macdonald
- Much And More by George Macdonald
- The Lost House by George Macdonald
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life, death, and the nature of consciousness, which are central to philosophical literature.
- Mystery — The text delves into the mysterious nature of sleep and the unknown, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and contemplation.
- Fantasy — The dream-like quality and surreal imagery suggest elements of fantasy, as the narrative blurs the line between reality and imagination.
Tags
fantasy · dreams · imagination · spirituality · allegory · children's literature · moral lessons · adventure · whimsy · nature · mythical creatures · self-discovery