A Valentine by Lewis Carroll (1863)
The story revolves around a young girl who receives a valentine from an unknown admirer. She sets out to discover the identity of her suitor and in doing so, uncovers a series of absurd and illogical events that challenge her perceptions of reality. The narrative explores themes of love, identity, and the blurring of lines between fantasy and reality.
By Lewis Carroll · First published 1863 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romantic · 472 words
First lines
[Sent to a friend who had complained that I was glad enough to see him when he came, but didn't seem to miss him if he stayed away.]
And cannot pleasures, while they last, Be actual unless, when past, They leave us shuddering and aghast, With anguish smarting? And cannot friends be firm and fast, And yet bear parting?
What this Textopian page supports
A Valentine is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lewis Carroll, dated 1863 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Lewis Carroll
- Date: 1863 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romantic, Epistolary, Humor
- Length: 472 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Valentine by Lewis Carroll
- 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 A Valentine?
- How does this poem by Lewis Carroll fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Forgetful Forgetmenot by Oliver Herford
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- Crumbs by Oliver Herford
- The New Vestments by Edward Lear
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, focusing on themes of friendship and longing.
- Romantic — The themes of love and emotional connection are central, reflecting romantic ideals.
- Epistolary — The poem is framed as a letter to a friend, embodying the characteristics of epistolary literature.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Valentine's Day · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Fantasy · Whimsy · Nonsense Verse · Satire