The Lost House by George MacDonald
The Lost House is a novel by George MacDonald that tells the story of a young man named John who sets out on a journey to find his lost love, Mary. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and challenges, including a mysterious house that seems to have a mind of its own. As John explores the house, he discovers hidden rooms and secret passages, each one leading him closer to the truth about Mary's disappearance. In the end, John must confront his own fears and doubts in order to find the answers he seeks.
By George MacDonald · First published 1875 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Religious · 187 words
First lines
Out of thy door I run to do the thing That calls upon me. Straight the wind of words Whoops from mine ears the sounds of them that sing About their work, "My God, my father-king!"
I turn in haste to see thy blessed door, But, lo, a cloud of flies and bats and birds, And stalking vapours, and vague monster-herds Have risen and lighted, rushed and swollen between!
Ah me! the house of peace is there no more.
Was it a dream then? -- Walls, fireside, and floor, And sweet obedience, loving, calm, and free, Are vanished -- gone as they had never been!
What this Textopian page supports
The Lost House 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: Fantasy, Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Allegory
- Length: 187 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lost House 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 Lost House?
- How does this poem by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The presence of dream-like sequences and surreal imagery suggests a fantastical setting.
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, with a focus on rhythm and lyrical expression.
- Religious — Themes of divine presence and spiritual longing are evident in the narrative.
- Philosophical — The exploration of existential themes and the nature of reality indicates a philosophical undertone.
Tags
fantasy · adventure · mystery · imagination · childhood · exploration · friendship · self-discovery · whimsy · magic · dreams · nature