The Bells of Malines (the Red Flower and Golden
This novella tells the story of a young woman who returns to her hometown after years away and becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding an old church bell that has been silenced for decades. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers secrets about the town's past and the true meaning behind the bells' silence.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, War · 590 words
First lines
The gabled roofs of old Malines / Are russet red and gray and green, / And o'er them in the sunset hour / Looms, dark and huge, St. Rombold's tower.
High in that rugged nest concealed, / The sweetest bells that ever pealed, / The deepest bells that ever rung, / The lightest bells that ever sung, / Are waiting for the master's hand / To fling their music o'er the land.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Historical — The poem references specific historical events, particularly the German invasion of Belgium in 1914.
- War — The themes and imagery are centered around the impact of war, specifically World War I, on Belgium.
- Patriotic — The poem evokes national pride and resilience, celebrating Belgian identity and spirit.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Christianity · Belgium · WWI · War Literature · Poetic Prose · Symbolism · Mythology · Folklore · Spirituality · Mystery · Romance
What this Textopian page supports
The Bells of Malines (the Red Flower and Golden Stars) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, War, Patriotic, Music
- Length: 590 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Bells of Malines (the Red Flower and Golden Stars) by Henry Van Dyke
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