The True by George MacDonald (1860)
"The True" is a novel by George MacDonald that explores themes of love, faith, and redemption. The story follows the journey of a young man named Paul Faber as he navigates his way through life's challenges and ultimately discovers the true meaning of happiness. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters who help him on his path to self-discovery.
By George MacDonald · First published 1860 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 164 words
First lines
I envy the tree-tops that shake so high In winds that fill them full of heavenly airs; I envy every little cloud that shares With unseen angels evening in the sky; I envy most the youngest stars that lie Sky-nested, and the loving heaven that bears, And night that makes strong worlds of them unawares; And all God's other beautiful and nigh!
Nay, nay, I envy not! And these are dreams, Fancies and images of real heaven!
My longings, all my longing prayers are given For that which is, and not for that which seems.
Draw me, O Lord, to thy true heaven above, The Heaven of thy Thought, thy Rest, thy Love.
What this Textopian page supports
The True is listed on Textopian as a novel by George MacDonald, dated 1860 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: 1860 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Fantasy
- Length: 164 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The True by George MacDonald
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The True?
- How does this novel by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Religious — The themes revolve around spiritual longing and divine connection, with references to God and heaven.
- Philosophical — The work explores existential themes and the nature of reality versus perception.
- Fantasy — The imagery includes fantastical elements such as angels and stars, creating a dream-like atmosphere.
Tags
fantasy · allegory · spirituality · morality · self-discovery · imagination · adventure · mythical · philosophical · narrative · character development · redemption