Ghosts by Emily Dickinson (1890)
The poem explores the theme of death and the afterlife, presenting a vision of ghosts that are trapped between worlds, unable to move on. It describes the speaker's encounter with these spirits, who are seen as faint, ethereal beings, lingering in the space between life and death. The poem suggests that these ghosts are not malevolent, but rather pitiful figures, stuck in a state of limbo, unable to find peace or resolution. Through this imagery, the poem conveys a sense of melancholy and longing, highlighting the speaker's own mortality and the transience of human existence.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Gothic, Psychological · 152 words
First lines
One need not be a chamber to be haunted, One need not be a house; The brain has corridors surpassing Material place.
Far safer, of a midnight meeting External ghost, Than an interior confronting That whiter host.
Far safer through an Abbey gallop, The stones achase, Than, moonless, one's own self encounter In lonesome place.
Ourself, behind ourself concealed, Should startle most; Assassin, hid in our apartment, Be horror's least.
What this Textopian page supports
Ghosts is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Gothic, Psychological, Philosophical
- Length: 152 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Gothic — Themes of haunting, fear, and the supernatural are central, aligning with Gothic literature.
- Psychological — Explores the inner workings of the mind and self-confrontation, typical of psychological literature.
- Philosophical — Reflects on existential themes and the nature of self, common in philosophical works.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Mortality · Spirituality · Nature · Death · Afterlife · Philosophy · Existentialism · Symbolism · Imagery