The Ghost by Edith Nesbit (1907)
The poem's speaker is haunted by the ghost of a loved one. The ghost's presence is felt throughout the seasons, bringing comfort and beauty to the speaker's life. The speaker feels the ghost's shadow in the woods, sees their face in the twilight, and senses their hand among books. The ghost's presence is also felt through music, as the speaker hears their voice and smells the violets they wear. Despite the pain of loss, the speaker has found a sense of contentment, but this is bittersweet, as it means they will never again experience the joy of kissing their loved one.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1907 · Genre: Ghost Story, Horror, Mystery · 304 words
First lines
The year fades, as the west wind sighs, And droops in many-coloured ways, But your soft presence never dies From out the pathway of my days.
The spring is where you are, but still You from your heaven to me can bring Sweet dreams and flowers enough to fill A thousand empty worlds with Spring.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ghost is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Ghost Story, Horror, Mystery, Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 304 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ghost by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Ghost?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Ghost Story first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Despair by Edith Nesbit
- Afterward by Edith Wharton
- A Dirge In Gray by Edith Nesbit
- From The Dead by Edith Nesbit
- The Portrait by Edith Wharton
- The Ladys Maids Bell by Edith Wharton
Genres
- Ghost Story — The narrative revolves around a spectral figure and the supernatural.
- Horror — The story contains elements of fear and dread.
- Mystery — The plot involves the unraveling of unknown aspects of the ghost.
- Gothic Fiction — The story employs a dark, eerie setting and atmosphere.
Tags
Gothic Fiction · Supernatural · Mystery · Thriller · Classic Literature · Victorian Era · Ghost Story · Haunted House · Family Drama · Tragedy · Loss · Grief