Age and Youth
The story follows a young man named John who has just graduated from college and is struggling to find his place in the world. He meets an older man named Mr. Smith, who becomes a mentor to him and helps him navigate the challenges of adulthood. Through their conversations, John learns about the importance of finding meaning in life and the value of experience over youthful energy. The book explores themes of aging, wisdom, and the search for purpose in life.
By George William Russell · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective · 184 words
First lines
We have left our youth behind: Earth is in its baby years: Void of wisdom cries the wind, And the sunlight knows no tears.
When shall twilight feel the awe, All the rapt thought of the sage, And the lips of wind give law Drawn from out their lore of age?
When shall earth begin to burn With such love as thrills my breast?
When shall we together turn To our long, long home for rest?
What this Textopian page supports
Age and Youth is listed on Textopian as a poem by George William Russell, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George William Russell
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective, Lyrical, Symbolic
- Length: 184 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Age and Youth by George William Russell
- 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 Age and Youth?
- How does this poem by George William Russell fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Memory by W. B. Yeats
- Youth And Age by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- A Memory by George William Russell
- An Autumn Song by George Macdonald
- The Marching Morrows by Bliss Carman
- Remembrance by George William Russell
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, which are characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about life, wisdom, and the passage of time, which are central to philosophical inquiry.
- Reflective — The text reflects on the transition from youth to age, encouraging introspection and contemplation.
- Lyrical — The language is expressive and emotive, typical of lyrical writing, aiming to evoke strong feelings.
Tags
philosophy · youth · age · wisdom · growth · experience · time · identity · change · reflection · nature · life stages