The Nightingale by Thomas James Wise
The Nightingale is a novel by Thomas James Wise, set in the early 19th century. It tells the story of a young woman, Mary, who is sent away from her home in England to live with her aunt in India. There, she meets a mysterious man, the Nightingale, who is a master of the Indian art of singing. Mary is captivated by the Nightingale's singing and falls in love with him, but their love is forbidden by her aunt. Mary must choose between her family's expectations and her own desires. The novel follows Mary as she navigates the complexities of love, family, and culture in a foreign land.
By Thomas James Wise · First published 1914 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 276 words
First lines
"Translated from the Danish"
In midnight's calm hour the Nightingale sings Of freedom, of love, and delight; Come, haste to the grove where melody rings, 'Tis Philomel's notes that invite. A fowler attentively follows her there, Resolv'd for his victim to spread out a snare: "Think", "girls", "of the Nightingale's fate", "and beware"!
In ambush his nets he carefully brings, Glad innocence feels no alarm; Unguarded her flight-'midst danger she wings- And falls into sorrowful harm. Alas! she is silent, and full of despair, He glides away quick with his treasure so rare: "Think", "girls", "of the Nightingale's fate", "and beware"!
What this Textopian page supports
The Nightingale is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas James Wise, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas James Wise
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Drama, Mystery
- Length: 276 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Nightingale by Thomas James Wise
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Nightingale?
- How does this short story by Thomas James Wise fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- From The French by Thomas James Wise
- My Dainty Dame by Thomas James Wise
- The Cuckoo by Thomas James Wise
- The Renegade by Thomas James Wise
- Sir Peter by Thomas James Wise
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The Nightingale is set in the early 19th century and follows the story of a young woman's journey through the Napoleonic Wars.
- Romance — The Nightingale follows the romantic relationship between the protagonist and her love interest, and the obstacles they face in their journey together.
- Adventure — The Nightingale follows the protagonist's journey through the Napoleonic Wars, and the various adventures she experiences along the way.
- Drama — The Nightingale is a dramatic story of love, loss, and redemption, and the struggles of the protagonist as she navigates her way through the Napoleonic Wars.
Tags
Ballads · English poetry · ambush · attentively · away · beware · calm · come · danish · delight · fair · fate