The Prophet by George MacDonald
The Prophet is a novel by George MacDonald that tells the story of a young man named Alister who sets out on a journey to find his true purpose in life. Along the way, he meets a wise old prophet who teaches him about love, faith, and the meaning of life. The book explores themes such as spirituality, self-discovery, and the power of human connection.
By George MacDonald · First published 1875 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 169 words
First lines
Speak, Prophet of the Lord! We may not start To find thee with us in thine ancient dress, Haggard and pale from some bleak wilderness, Empty of all save God and thy loud heart, Nor with like rugged message quick to dart Into the hideous fiction mean and base; But yet, O prophet man, we need not less But more of earnest, though it is thy part To deal in other words, if thou wouldst smite The living Mammon, seated, not as then In bestial quiescence grimly dight, But _robed as priest, and honoured of good men Yet_ thrice as much an idol-god as when He stared at his own feet from morn to night.
What this Textopian page supports
The Prophet 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: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Social Critique
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, employing poetic devices and a lyrical style.
- Religious — The text addresses themes of prophecy and spiritual discourse, invoking religious imagery and concepts.
- Philosophical — The content explores deep philosophical questions about society, morality, and human nature.
- Social Critique — The narrative critiques societal norms and the worship of materialism, reflecting on contemporary issues.
Tags
philosophy · spirituality · poetry · wisdom · faith · love · humanity · nature · self-discovery · morality · life lessons · transcendence