The Wakeful Sleeper
The Wakeful Sleeper is a novel by George MacDonald that explores the themes of dreams and reality. The story follows a young man named John who falls into a deep sleep and wakes up in a strange world where he meets various characters who teach him important lessons about life. Throughout the book, MacDonald uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey his message about the power of imagination and the importance of living fully awake. The Wakeful Sleeper is considered one of MacDonald's most thought-provoking works and continues to inspire readers today.
By George MacDonald · First published 1875 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Children's Literature · 580 words
First lines
When things are holding wonted pace In wonted paths, without a trace Or hint of neighbouring wonder, Sometimes, from other realms, a tone, A scent, a vision, swift, alone, Breaks common life asunder.
Howe'er it comes, whate'er its door, It makes you ponder something more -- Unseen with seen things linking: To neighbours met one festive night, Was given a quaint and lovely sight, That set some of them thinking.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wakeful Sleeper 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, Children's Literature, Mystery, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 580 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Wakeful Sleeper by George MacDonald
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Wakeful Sleeper?
- How does this poem by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Dream Of Waking by George Macdonald
- Somnium Mystici by George Macdonald
- No End Of No Story by George Macdonald
- Sleep by George Macdonald
- The Moon by George Macdonald
- In The Night by George Macdonald
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative includes elements of wonder and the supernatural, such as a child sleepwalking and being drawn by music, which are characteristic of fantasy.
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form, with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, indicative of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The story features a child protagonist and themes of innocence and wonder, common in children's literature.
- Mystery — The mysterious behavior of the sleepwalking child and the sense of wonder create an atmosphere of intrigue.
Tags
fantasy · dreams · awakening · imagination · spirituality · self-discovery · allegory · mysticism · adventure · transformation · inner journey · philosophy