School (of Skies and Seasons)
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after years abroad and becomes involved with a group of idealistic students at the local school. They are passionate about social reform and seek to create positive change in their community. As he becomes more deeply embroiled, he begins to question the true nature of their goals and motivations. He starts to see that their ideals are not as pure as they seem, and that some members may be using the group for personal gain or to further their own interests. The protagonist's involvement with the school and its students leads him to confront his own values and sense of purpose. He must decide whether to continue supporting the group or to distance himself from them. Throughout the story, themes of idealism, morality, and the complexities of human nature are explored. The narrative raises questions about the consequences of unchecked passion and the importance of critical thinking in achieving positive change.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature · 181 words
First lines
I put my heart to school In the world where men grow wise: "Go out," I said, "and learn the rule; 'Come back when you win a prize."
My heart came back again: "Now where is the prize? " I cried. -- "The rule was false, and the prize was pain, And the teacher's name was Pride."
I put my heart to school In the woods where veeries sing And brooks run clear and cool, In the fields where wild flowers spring.
"And why do you stay so long My heart, and where do you roam? " The answer came with a laugh and a song, -- "I find this school is home."
What this Textopian page supports
School (of Skies and Seasons) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, 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: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature, Educational
- Length: 181 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for School (of Skies and Seasons) by Henry Van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore the nature of wisdom, pride, and the search for meaning, which are philosophical in nature.
- Nature — The imagery and setting prominently feature natural elements like woods, brooks, and wildflowers.
- Educational — The narrative revolves around the concept of learning and schooling, both in a traditional and metaphorical sense.
Tags
Fiction · Philosophy · Poetry · Nature · Spirituality · Mystery · Symbolism · Allegory · Mythology · Cosmology · Astronomy · Seasonal