Steadfast by George MacDonald (1875)
"Steadfast" by George MacDonald is a novel that follows the story of Steadfast, a young man who sets out on a journey to find his true identity and purpose in life. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and challenges that test his resolve and determination. The book explores themes such as self-discovery, perseverance, and the power of faith.
By George MacDonald · First published 1875 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature · 161 words
First lines
Here stands a giant stone from whose far top Comes down the sounding water: let me gaze Till every sense of man and human ways Is wrecked and quenched for ever, and I drop Into the whirl of time, and without stop Pass downward thus! Again my eyes I raise To thee, dark rock; and through the mist and haze My strength returns when I behold thy prop Gleam stern and steady through the wavering wrack.
Surely thy strength is human, and like me Thou bearest loads of thunder on thy back!
And, lo, a smile upon thy visage black -- A breezy tuft of grass which I can see Waving serenely from a sunlit crack!
What this Textopian page supports
Steadfast is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1875 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: 1875 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature, Romantic
- Length: 161 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Steadfast by George MacDonald
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Steadfast?
- 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
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- To A Threefold Cord by George Macdonald
- A Better Thing by George Macdonald
- Rejoice by George Macdonald
- The Light by Charles Kingsley
- The House Of Faith by Francis Sherman
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on imagery and metaphor.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential and human conditions, reflecting on time and strength.
- Nature — The setting and imagery are deeply connected to natural elements like stone and water.
- Romantic — The language and style evoke a sense of awe and emotional depth.
Tags
faith · perseverance · spirituality · redemption · love · sacrifice · morality · character · growth · hope · struggle · forgiveness