The Talk of the Echoes. (a Threefold Cord)
The Talk of the Echoes (a Threefold Cord) by George MacDonald is a collection of three short stories that explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. The first story, "The Talk of the Echoes," follows a young man who discovers a magical world hidden within his own home. In "A Threefold Cord," two friends must confront their past mistakes in order to move forward with their lives. Finally, "The Light Princess" tells the tale of a princess cursed with lightness who must learn to embrace her true self in order to find happiness.
By George MacDonald · First published 1864 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Nature · 292 words
First lines
A FRAGMENT.
When the cock crows loud from the glen, And the moor-cock chirrs from the heather, What hear ye and see ye then, Ye children of air and ether?
1_st Echo_.
A thunder as of waves at the rising of the moon, And a darkness on the graves though the day is at its noon.
What this Textopian page supports
The Talk of the Echoes. (a Threefold Cord) is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1864 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: 1864 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Nature, Mystery
- Length: 292 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Talk of the Echoes. (a Threefold Cord) by George MacDonald
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Talk of the Echoes. (a Threefold Cord)?
- 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
- Consider The Ravens by George Macdonald
- Words In The Night by George Macdonald
- I See Thee Not by George Macdonald
- A Cry by George Macdonald
- Come Down by George Macdonald
- The Watcher by George Macdonald
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The presence of ethereal elements and references to children of air and ether suggest a fantastical theme.
- Nature — The vivid descriptions of natural elements like moor-cocks, rivers, and mountains highlight a strong nature theme.
- Mystery — The enigmatic dialogue between echoes and the cryptic imagery create a sense of mystery.
Tags
fantasy · allegory · spirituality · mysticism · Christianity · redemption · love · friendship · self-discovery · imagination · narrative · philosophy