The Foolish Harebell
The Foolish Harebell is a short story by George MacDonald about a harebell who thinks she knows everything and tries to teach the other flowers in her garden. However, when she meets a wise old oak tree, he shows her that there is still much for her to learn. The story teaches the importance of humility and lifelong learning.
By George MacDonald · First published 1870 · Genre: Poetry, Fable, Children's Literature · 465 words
First lines
A harebell hung her wilful head: "I am tired, so tired! I wish I was dead."
She hung her head in the mossy dell: "If all were over, then all were well!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Foolish Harebell is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1870 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: 1870 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fable, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Allegory
- Length: 465 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Foolish Harebell 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 The Foolish Harebell?
- 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 Early Bird by George Macdonald
- I Ken Something by George Macdonald
- A Make Believe by George Macdonald
- Little Bo Peep by George Macdonald
- Up In The Tree by George Macdonald
- The Donkey In The Cart To The Horse In The Carriage by George Macdonald
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized elements of nature, delivering a moral lesson.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and moral undertone make it suitable for a young audience.
- Fantasy — The story involves fantastical elements like talking plants and personified natural forces.
Tags
fairy tale · children's literature · fantasy · moral lessons · nature · imagination · whimsy · adventure · friendship · growth · self-discovery · innocence