The Thorn in the Flesh
The Thorn in the Flesh is a novel by George MacDonald that explores themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness. The story follows the life of a young man named Paul Faber who struggles with his own inner demons and seeks to find meaning in his life through his relationships with others. Along the way, he encounters various characters who help him on his journey towards self-discovery and spiritual growth. Overall, The Thorn in the Flesh is a thought-provoking work of literature that offers insight into the human condition and the power of faith to transform lives.
By George MacDonald · First published 1874 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Poetry, Philosophical Fiction · 399 words
First lines
Within my heart a worm had long been hid.
I knew it not when I went down and chid Because some servants of my inner house Had not, I found, of late been doing well, But then I spied the horror hideous Dwelling defiant in the inmost cell -- No, not the inmost, for there God did dwell!
What this Textopian page supports
The Thorn in the Flesh is listed on Textopian as a novel by George MacDonald, dated 1874 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1874 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Poetry, Philosophical Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 399 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Thorn in the Flesh 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 Thorn in the Flesh?
- How does this novel by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- In Bonds by George Macdonald
- Oh Thou Of Little Faith by George Macdonald
- That Holy Thing by George Macdonald
- What The Lord Saith by George Macdonald
- The Surprise Of The Righteous by Charles Kingsley
- The Purifying Hope by Charles Kingsley
Genres
- Religious Fiction — The text explores themes of spiritual struggle, divine presence, and personal redemption, which are central to religious fiction.
- Poetry — The writing style is poetic, with structured verses and a focus on metaphorical language.
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative delves into existential themes and the nature of suffering, aligning with philosophical fiction.
- Psychological Fiction — The internal conflict and exploration of the protagonist's mental state are key elements of psychological fiction.
Tags
spirituality · faith · suffering · redemption · Christianity · morality · struggle · forgiveness · grace · self-discovery · inner conflict · divine love