The Ghost by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem tells the story of a woman who dies and returns as a ghost to haunt her former lover, who had wronged her in life. The ghost is unable to rest until she has confronted her former lover and made him acknowledge his wrongdoing. Through her haunting, the ghost ultimately achieves revenge and finds peace, freeing herself from the earthly realm.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1911 · Genre: Poetry, Supernatural, Romanticism · 420 words
First lines
Through the open door of dreamland Came a ghost of long ago, long ago. When I wakened, all unheeding Was the phantom to my pleading; For he would not turn and go, But beside me all the day, In my work and in my play, Trod this ghost of long ago, long ago.
Not a vague and pallid phantom Was this ghost that came to me, followed me: Though he rose from regions haunted, Though he came unbid, unwanted, He was very fair to see. Like the radiant sun in space Was the halo round the face Of that ghost that came to me, followed me.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ghost is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1911 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: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Supernatural, Romanticism, Philosophical
- Length: 420 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ghost by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Ghost?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- From The Grave by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Ghosts by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Dirge by Edith Nesbit
- The Punished by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Bridal Ballad by Edith Nesbit
- After by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Supernatural — The narrative involves a ghostly figure and themes of haunting.
- Romanticism — The language and imagery evoke deep emotions and a sense of beauty.
- Philosophical — The text explores themes of memory, the past, and existential reflection.
Tags
Poetry · Supernatural · Ghost Story · Romance · Tragedy · Loss · Grief · Mourning · Love · Death · Afterlife · Spiritual