Mermaids by Louisa May Alcott (1856)

Name: Mermaids
Author: Louisa May Alcott

A young girl named Nelly, frustrated by her inability to swim due to a cold, wishes to be a mermaid. Her wish is granted by a gull, and she transforms into a mermaid, joining two playful sea creatures, Goldfin and Silver-tail. Initially enchanted by the freedom of the sea, Nelly soon discovers the mermaids lack hearts and souls, leading to a sense of emptiness despite their carefree existence. As Nelly explores the underwater world, she becomes increasingly homesick for her family and the warmth of human love. She learns about the Wonder-tree, which produces water-babies, and observes the indifferent nature of mermaid life, which lacks the emotional connections she craves. Despite the beauty of the sea, Nelly feels a growing longing for her home and the love of her mother. Nelly attempts to engage with her new friends and the sea creatures, but their lack of understanding about love and care leaves her feeling isolated. She eventually decides to help others, including saving items from a shipwreck to bring joy to the children on the shore. This act of kindness brings her some fulfillment, but she remains aware of her loneliness. As time passes, Nelly's desire to return to her human life intensifies. She seeks advice from Barnacle, an old merman, who tells her that only the King of the gulls can change her back. Nelly patiently waits for the gull's return, engaging in acts of kindness and trying to be good, hoping to earn her way back home. When the gull finally appears, Nelly eagerly wishes to return to her human form. The gull grants her wish, and she finds herself back on the beach, embraced by her mother. Nelly realizes that her experiences as a mermaid taught her the value of love, family, and the joys of being a child. She vows to be a better daughter, cherishing her life on land and the connections that come with it.

By Louisa May Alcott · First published 1856 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 6,752 words

First lines

"I wish I were a sea-gull or a fish or a mermaid; then I could swim as much as I like, and not have to stay on this stupid dry land all day," said Nelly, as she sat frowning and punching holes in the sand one summer morning, while the waves came murmuring up on the beach, and a fresh wind sang its pleasant song.

What this Textopian page supports

Mermaids is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louisa May Alcott, dated 1856 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Date: 1856 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Moral Tale
Length: 6,752 words
Structure: 1 section, 123 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for Mermaids by Louisa May Alcott
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Louisa May Alcott fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The story features magical elements such as mermaids, a talking gull, and the transformation of the protagonist, which are central to the plot.
Children's Literature — The narrative is aimed at a young audience, focusing on themes of childhood curiosity, adventure, and moral lessons.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey into the sea, encountering various creatures and experiences that drive the plot.
Coming-of-Age — The story explores themes of growth, self-discovery, and the longing for home, reflecting the protagonist's emotional journey.