The Choice by Gilbert Parker (1905)

The Choice is a novel by Gilbert Parker that tells the story of two brothers who are torn apart by their different choices in life. The older brother, John, chooses to pursue a career in politics while the younger brother, Richard, becomes a priest. As they grow older and their paths diverge further, tensions rise between them until finally, tragedy strikes.

By Gilbert Parker · First published 1905 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Philosophical · 170 words

First lines

If Death should come to me to-night, and say: "I weigh thy destiny; behold, I give One little day with this thy love to live, Then, my embrace; or, leave her for alway,

And thou shalt walk a full array of years; Upon thee shall the world's large honours fall, And praises clamorous shall make for all Thy strivings rich amends. " If in my ears

Thou saidst, "I love thee! " I would straightway cry, "A thousand years upon this barren earth Is death without her: for that day I die,

And count my life for it of poorest worth."

What this Textopian page supports

The Choice is listed on Textopian as a short story by Gilbert Parker, dated 1905 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Short story
• Author: Gilbert Parker
• Date: 1905 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Romance, Poetry, Philosophical
• Length: 170 words
• Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Choice by Gilbert Parker
• 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 Choice?
• How does this short story by Gilbert Parker fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Romance first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• After by Gilbert Parker
• Mio Destino by Gilbert Parker
• Remedial by Gilbert Parker
• The Nest by Gilbert Parker
• Benedictus by Gilbert Parker
• Loves Courage by Gilbert Parker

Genres

• Romance — The central theme revolves around love and the choice between a day with a beloved or a lifetime of achievements without them.
• Poetry — The writing style is poetic, with structured verses and a focus on emotional expression.
• Philosophical — The narrative explores existential themes and the philosophical implications of life choices and mortality.

Tags

love · sacrifice · redemption · conflict · identity · family · betrayal · courage · decision-making · morality · human nature · relationships

More by Gilbert Parker

• The Power And The Glory (1925)
• Pierre and his People, Volume 1 (1895)
• Pierre and his People, Volume 2 (1904)
• Pierre and his People, Volume 3 (1904)
• Pierre and his People, Volume 4 (1905)
• Pierre and his People, Volume 5 (1904)
• A Romany of the Snows, Volume 1 (1897)
• A Romany of the Snows, Volume 2 (1907)
• All works by Gilbert Parker