Somnium Mystici by George MacDonald
Somnium Mystici is a novel by George MacDonald that explores the nature of dreams and reality. The story follows a young man named David Elginbrod who falls into a deep sleep and finds himself in a strange world where he meets various characters who teach him important lessons about life. Throughout the book, MacDonald uses vivid imagery and symbolism to explore themes such as faith, love, and the human condition. The novel is considered one of MacDonald's most significant works and has influenced many writers in the fantasy genre.
By George MacDonald · First published 1857 · Genre: Fantasy, Religious Fiction, Poetry · 7,972 words
First lines
A Microcosm In Terza Rima.
I. Quiet I lay at last, and knew no more Whether I breathed or not, so worn I lay With the death-struggle. What was yet before Neither I met, nor turned from it away; My only conscious being was the rest Of pain gone dead -- dead with the bygone day, And long I could have lingered all but blest In that half-slumber. But there came a sound As of a door that opened -- in the west Somewhere I thought it. As the hare the hound, The noise did start my eyelids and they rose.
What this Textopian page supports
Somnium Mystici is listed on Textopian as a novella by George MacDonald, dated 1857 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1857 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Religious Fiction, Poetry, Philosophical Fiction, Visionary Fiction
- Length: 7,972 words
- Structure: 1 section, 127 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Somnium Mystici 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 Somnium Mystici?
- How does this novella by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Clock Of The Universe by George Macdonald
- A Book Of Dreams Part Ii by George Macdonald
- A Book Of Dreams Part I by George Macdonald
- The Gates Of Dreamland by George William Russell
- The Wakeful Sleeper by George Macdonald
- Words In The Night by George Macdonald
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves supernatural elements, such as the protagonist's journey through mystical realms and encounters with ethereal beings.
- Religious Fiction — The text explores themes of spiritual awakening, divine encounters, and religious symbolism, reflecting a deep engagement with Christian theology.
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form, utilizing terza rima and rich, lyrical language to convey its themes.
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative delves into existential questions and philosophical reflections on life, death, and the nature of the soul.
Tags
fantasy · dreams · mysticism · spirituality · imagination · allegory · adventure · philosophy · self-discovery · mythology · narrative · symbolism