The Chrysalis by George MacDonald
The Chrysalis is a novel by George MacDonald that tells the story of a young man named Paul who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. The book explores themes such as faith, love, and redemption through its vivid descriptions of the natural world and its characters' inner struggles.
By George MacDonald · First published 1856 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Religious · 173 words
First lines
Methought I floated sightless, nor did know / That I had ears until I heard the cry / As of a mighty man in agony: / "How long, Lord, shall I lie thus foul and slow? / The arrows of thy lightning through me go, / And sting and torture me -- yet here I lie / A shapeless mass that scarce can mould a sigh! " / The darkness thinned; I saw a thing below / Like sheeted corpse, a knot at head and feet. / Slow clomb the sun the mountains of the dead, / And looked upon the world: the silence broke! / A blinding struggle! then the thunderous beat / Of great exulting pinions stroke on stroke! / And from that world a mighty angel fled.
What this Textopian page supports
The Chrysalis is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1856 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: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Religious, Philosophical
- Length: 173 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Chrysalis 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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Genres
- Fantasy — The presence of supernatural elements such as angels and mystical experiences suggests a fantasy genre.
- Poetry — The text is written in a poetic form with structured verses and a focus on imagery and emotion.
- Religious — Themes of divine intervention and spiritual struggle indicate a religious genre.
- Philosophical — The existential questions and introspective nature of the text suggest a philosophical genre.
Tags
fantasy · allegory · spirituality · transformation · self-discovery · imagination · moral lessons · nature · innocence · childhood · dreams · mythical creatures