The Valley of the Shadow of Death
This work is a satirical exploration of Victorian society and politics. It follows the story of a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole and enters a fantastical world where she encounters strange creatures and experiences bizarre events. The narrative is a commentary on the social conventions and absurdities of the time, using elements of fantasy and nonsense to critique the status quo.
By Lewis Carroll · First published 1865 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 1,458 words
First lines
Hark, _said the dying man_, _and sighed_, To that complaining tone -- Like sprite condemned, each eventide, To walk the world alone. At sunset, when the air is still, I hear it creep from yonder hill: It breathes upon me, dead and chill, A moment, and is gone.
My son, it minds me of a day Left half a life behind, That I have prayed to put away For ever from my mind. But bitter memory will not die: It haunts my soul when none is nigh: I hear its whisper in the sigh Of that complaining wind.
What this Textopian page supports
The Valley of the Shadow of Death is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lewis Carroll, dated 1865 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: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Gothic, Narrative
- Length: 1,458 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Valley of the Shadow of Death 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 The Valley of the Shadow of Death?
- 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
- The Path Of Roses by Lewis Carroll
- Of Roon The God Of Going by Lord Dunsany
- The Lonely Idol by Lord Dunsany
- The Giant Poppy by Lord Dunsany
- Jaafer The Barmecide by Madison Cawein
- Moly by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — It explores deep themes of life, death, memory, and the human condition.
- Religious — The text contains spiritual references and seeks solace in a higher power.
- Gothic — It evokes a dark, melancholic atmosphere and themes of fear and death.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · Symbolism · Imagination · Dreamlike · Poetic · Philosophical · Psychological · Social Commentary