Ghosts by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1910)
The poem explores the idea that past experiences and emotions continue to haunt an individual, likening them to ghosts that cannot be escaped. The speaker describes how memories of joy, sorrow, and love linger, influencing their present and future. The poem suggests that these ghosts are a natural part of life, and that they can provide wisdom and guidance if acknowledged and confronted.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Gothic, Psychological · 267 words
First lines
There are ghosts in the room. As I sit here alone, from the dark corners there They come out of the gloom, And they stand at my side and they lean on my chair.
There's the ghost of a Hope That lighted my days with a fanciful glow. In her hand is the rope That strangled her life out. Hope was slain long ago.
But her ghost comes to-night, With its skeleton face and expressionless eyes, And it stands in the light, And mocks me, and jeers me with sobs and with sighs.
There's the ghost of a Joy, A frail, fragile thing, and I prized it too much, And the hands that destroy Clasped it close, and it died at the withering touch.
What this Textopian page supports
Ghosts is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Gothic, Psychological, Romantic, Symbolism
- Length: 267 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ghosts by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Phantom Ball by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Two Ghosts by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Spectres by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- From The Grave by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Ballade Of The Unborn Dead by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Ghosts by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Gothic — The themes of ghosts, death, and melancholy align with Gothic literature.
- Psychological — The exploration of inner emotions and mental states is central to the narrative.
- Romantic — Themes of love, hope, and joy, albeit in a tragic context, are present.
Tags
Poetry · Spiritualism · Supernatural · Death · Afterlife · Ghosts · Mystery · Paranormal · Philosophical · Psychological · Romantic · Victorian Era