The Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis is a novel by George MacDonald that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The story follows the journey of a young man named Paul Faber as he navigates his way through life after losing his beloved wife. Along the way, he encounters various characters who help him to understand himself and the world around him better. Ultimately, the novel is about finding hope in the face of adversity and learning to embrace life's challenges with courage and grace.
By George MacDonald · First published 1857 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Nature · 156 words
First lines
Now have I grown a sharpness and an edge Unto my future nights, and I will cut Sheer through the ebon gates that yet will shut On every set of day; or as a sledge Drawn over snowy plains; where not a hedge Breaks this Aurora's dancing, nothing but The one cold Esquimaux' unlikely hut That swims in the broad moonlight! Lo, a wedge Of the clean meteor hath been brightly driven Right home into the fastness of the north!
Anon it quickeneth up into the heaven!
And I with it have clomb and spreaded forth Upon the crisp and cooling atmosphere!
My soul is all abroad: I cannot find it here!
What this Textopian page supports
The Aurora Borealis is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1857 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 156 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Aurora Borealis 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 The Aurora Borealis?
- 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 Moon by George Macdonald
- To The Clouds by George Macdonald
- The Lost House by George Macdonald
- Room To Roam by George Macdonald
- Travellers Song by George Macdonald
- The Fairies Song by George Borrow
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The imagery and themes suggest a fantastical exploration of the aurora borealis, with elements of imagination and otherworldliness.
- Nature — The description of natural phenomena like the aurora borealis and snowy plains indicates a strong connection to nature.
- Philosophical — The introspective and existential tone suggests a philosophical exploration of the self and the universe.
Tags
fantasy · adventure · nature · mythology · imagination · light · mystery · exploration · spirituality · dreams · narrative · whimsy