The Troll's Nosegay by Robert Graves
A troll, frustrated by a lady's tears over the lack of flowers in winter, vows to provide her with an abundance of blooms to lift her spirits. He conjures a variety of magical flowers, including a pale Lily and a misty Rose, using a cauldron filled with ethereal ingredients. The lady is overwhelmed by the troll's efforts, experiencing a mix of awe and distraction, yet remains slightly annoyed, hinting at the complexities of her emotions and the nature of desire. The narrative explores themes of love, the interplay between reality and fantasy, and the often unfulfilled expectations in relationships. The troll's grand gesture contrasts with the simplicity of the lady's original request, highlighting the disconnect between intention and perception in romantic pursuits. The work delves into the nuances of emotional expression and the sometimes chaotic nature of affection, ultimately questioning the efficacy of extravagant displays in addressing deeper emotional needs.
By Robert Graves · First published 1947 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Romance · 192 words
First lines
A simple nosegay! was that much to ask? (Winter still gloomed, with scarce a bud yet showing). He loved her ill, if he resigned the task. "Somewhere," she cried, "there must be blossom blowing. " It seems my lady wept and the troll swore By Heaven he hated tears: he'd cure her spleen; Where she had begged one flower, he'd shower fourscore, A haystack bunch to amaze a China Queen.
Cold fog-drawn Lily, pale mist-magic Rose He conjured, and in a glassy cauldron set With elvish unsubstantial Mignonette And such vague bloom as wandering dreams enclose. But she? Awed, Charmed to tears, Distracted, Yet -- Even yet, perhaps, a trifle piqued -- who knows?
What this Textopian page supports
The Troll's Nosegay is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Graves, dated 1947 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Robert Graves
- Date: 1947 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Romance, Mythology, Literary Fiction
- Length: 192 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Troll's Nosegay by Robert Graves
- 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 Troll's Nosegay?
- How does this short story by Robert Graves fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Under The April Moon by Bliss Carman
- The Streams Of Nantsian by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Faery Forest by Sara Teasdale
- Song by George William Russell
- Pierrots Song by Sara Teasdale
- The Flowers by Robert Louis Stevenson
Genres
- Fantasy — The presence of a troll and magical elements indicates a strong fantasy genre.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, showcasing poetic structure and language.
- Romance — Themes of love and longing are central to the narrative.
- Mythology — Incorporation of mythical creatures and themes aligns with mythological storytelling.
Tags
fantasy · poetry · romance · mythology · troll · flowers · emotions · nature · magic · dreams · sorrow · beauty