novel · Reading Worlds
The Red Lily — Complete: read and explore
It tells the story of a beautiful French countess trapped in a loveless marriage who…
About this reading
- Author
- Anatole France
- Form
- novel
- Catalog year
- 1894
Choose this reading by interest and comfort with the language. This catalog does not assign a school grade. Preview the text before reading with a child; classic works can contain unfamiliar language and historical attitudes.
Read The Red Lily — CompletePreview the language: “I NEED LOVE”
She gave a glance at the armchairs placed before the chimney, at the tea-table, which shone in the shade, and at the tall, pale stems of flowers ascending above Chinese vases. She thrust her hand among the flowery branches of the guelder roses to make their silvery balls quiver. Then she looked at herself in a mirror with serious attention. She held herself sidewise, her neck turned over her shoulder, to follow with her eyes the spring of her fine …
Choose a phrase from this opening. What does it suggest, and which words support your interpretation? Read on to test your first impression.
A reading activity for The Red Lily — Complete
- Before opening the text, read the title and this catalog description: “It tells the story of a beautiful French countess trapped in a loveless marriage who…” Write one question you hope the reading will answer.
- Read a short passage. Choose one sentence that helps you understand what is happening and explain which words support your interpretation.
- Choose one unfamiliar word. Guess its meaning from the surrounding words, then check a dictionary or discuss it with a reading partner.
- Return to your original question. Explain what the passage answered and what you still need to read to find out.
These are suggested discussion tasks, not a scored assessment or a claim that finishing the text establishes mastery.
Reading access and controls
Reading is free. The interactive reader needs JavaScript and a modern browser. Use ← → to read. Explain mode and other membership features can have separate limits; see current membership details.
Source edition: Project Gutenberg record for The Red Lily — Complete. This link identifies the catalog source; it does not imply endorsement.
Use this activity with a learner
Educators and independent learners
Learning goal: Read The Red Lily — Complete by Anatole France, then support an interpretation with words from the text.
Before you begin: Preview the language and historical context. Select a passage appropriate for your learners.
Check understanding: Ask for one observation, the evidence that supports it, and a question to investigate next.
Catalog inclusion does not assign a school grade. Preview historical language and themes before using a work with children.
Share The Red Lily — Complete with your family or class. No account is needed to open the free resource.
Activity and guide by Lesson Worlds. About the platform.
Browse activity companions and lesson sequences