The Little Ghost

Name: The Little Ghost
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem presents a speaker's encounter with a ghostly figure in a garden, characterized by her ethereal beauty and grace. The ghost is depicted as a delicate presence, adorned in a broad white hat and a gown with ruffles, suggesting innocence and charm. The speaker observes her movements with fascination, noting her appreciation for the untamed beauty of the garden. As the ghost interacts with the environment, she bends over the mint, embodying a sense of joy and contentment. Her demeanor is devoid of sadness, which contrasts with the typical associations of ghosts. The speaker is captivated by her elegance and the way she carries herself, reminiscent of nobility. The ghost's passage through a once-existing gate symbolizes a connection to the past, hinting at themes of memory and loss. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of the encounter. The poem captures the interplay between the living and the spectral, exploring the beauty found in moments that transcend time and reality. The ghost serves as a reminder of the ephemeral, leaving the speaker with a lingering sense of wonder and contemplation about the boundaries between life and the afterlife.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1921 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Children's Literature · 306 words

First lines

I knew her for a little ghost That in my garden walked;

The wall is high-higher than most- And the green gate was locked.

What this Textopian page supports

The Little Ghost is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1921 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1921 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Romanticism, Literary Fiction
Length: 306 words
Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery characteristic of poetry.
Fantasy — The presence of a ghost character and the ethereal setting suggest elements of fantasy.
Children's Literature — The simplicity of the language and themes of innocence and wonder appeal to a younger audience.
Romanticism — The poem reflects themes of beauty, nature, and emotional depth typical of Romantic literature.