“A Hidden Life”

Explore the text of the poem by George MacDonald entitled “A Hidden Life” via this link (Zoom document): https://docs.zoom.us/doc/W7IEuD9zSGqj8lw5Oy0oIg

This poem was used for the discussion meeting on 18 February 2026 and continued our exploration of the theme Corage! God Mend Al!

Watch the introduction to the meeting of 18 Feb, 2026:

https://youtu.be/GfKXIioZH_M

First Meeting of 2026

Thanks to all who joined the first meeting of the new George MacDonald study group. We will post the Zoom recording soon for those who missed. The theme of “Courage Mend Al!” is the first theme guiding our discussions.

After a short explanation from Michael Pucci about using themes, a reading of the George MacDonald’s sonnet to Louisa, (Personal: 1847 Sonnet to Louisa Powell (in George MacDonald’s copy of Coleridge’s Aids to Reflection): 
George MacDonald’s Copy of “Aids to Reflection” · Victorian Things · Omeka S at UVic Libraries) and a visual examination of MacDonald’s bookplates the group broke into two breakout rooms and discussed what this theme meant to them with many giving examples from the works of George MacDonald.

We all then came back to hear from each other and share reflections.

Share your reflections below on the following:

Where do we discern the theme in this passage?
How does MacDonald convey the importance of the theme?
How does this form shape the theme?