The Death of the Old Year
The Death of the Old Year by George MacDonald is a short story about a man who reflects on his life and regrets some of the choices he has made. The story explores themes of regret, redemption, and the passage of time.
By George MacDonald · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Symbolism · 2,122 words
First lines
The weary Old Year is dead at last; His corpse 'mid the ruins of Time is cast, Where the mouldering wrecks of lost Thought lie, And the rich-hued blossoms of Passion die To a withering grass that droops o'er his grave, The shadowy Titan's refuge cave.
Strange lights from pale moony Memory lie On the weedy columns beneath its eye; And strange is the sound of the ghostlike breeze, In the lingering leaves on the skeleton trees; And strange is the sound of the falling shower, When the clouds of dead pain o'er the spirit lower; Unheard in the home he inhabiteth, The land where all lost things are gathered by Death.
What this Textopian page supports
The Death of the Old Year is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1867 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: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Symbolism, Romanticism, Allegory
- Length: 2,122 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Death of the Old Year by George MacDonald
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetic form.
- Philosophical — The text explores themes of time, change, and existential reflection, engaging with deep philosophical questions.
- Symbolism — The use of symbolic imagery, such as the Old Year and the Eastern star, conveys deeper meanings beyond the literal text.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual introspection aligns with Romantic literary traditions.
Tags
reflection · change · time · seasons · life · death · nature · philosophy · transience · celebration · nostalgia · new beginnings