Havened by Olive Tilford Dargan
The narrative unfolds in a dreamlike landscape where the protagonist embarks on a journey through a mystical forest, guided by a stream that symbolizes life and inspiration. The imagery evokes a sense of wonder and beauty, as the protagonist encounters a series of enchanting scenes filled with nature's splendor. As the protagonist delves deeper into this ethereal realm, they experience a profound connection to love and creativity. The presence of a divine figure, embodying love and artistic inspiration, becomes central to the narrative. This figure is depicted with angelic qualities, radiating beauty and wisdom, and is accompanied by a youth who represents aspiration and the potential for artistic expression. The protagonist's exploration leads to a realization of the transformative power of love and art, as they witness the interplay between light and shadow, joy and sorrow. The narrative emphasizes the importance of dreams and the creative spirit, suggesting that true beauty lies in the ability to transcend worldly woes through artistic expression. Ultimately, the work reflects on the nature of existence, the pursuit of beauty, and the eternal quest for inspiration. The protagonist's journey serves as a metaphor for the artistic process, highlighting the interplay between the inner self and the external world, culminating in a celebration of love, creativity, and the human experience.
By Olive Tilford Dargan · First published 1921 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Fantasy · 1,840 words
First lines
Come, Flower of Life, and lay thy beauty's rose / Upon the breast that storm and thee divide; / And like true knights whose queen no laggard knows, / Forth gently shall my love-bid fancies ride / To serve thy heart, and bring thy wishes in; / And shuttling rhyme a web shall make thee then / Whilst thou dost gaze, nor thy poor weaver chide.
Sweet wonder lay upon my opening eyes / That showed me in a gracious court of trees / Whose leaves were clouds that caught and lost sunrise, / And fell in mist upon a twirling breeze / That traced the ground and to a river grew, / Casting its tender spray in tinted dew / As curved its silver way with laughing ease.
What this Textopian page supports
Havened is listed on Textopian as a short story by Olive Tilford Dargan, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Olive Tilford Dargan
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Fantasy, Symbolism, Nature Writing
- Length: 1,840 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Havened by Olive Tilford Dargan
- 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rich imagery and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, nature, and idealized beauty align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Fantasy — The presence of ethereal elements and a dreamlike quality suggests a fantasy genre influence.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols to convey deeper meanings about love and existence is prevalent throughout the text.
Tags
Feminist Literature · American Novel · Working Class Fiction · Regionalism · Social Realism · Labor Movement · Coal Mining Industry · Appalachian Region · Rural Life · Poverty · Exploitation · Class Struggle