Dibdin's Ghost by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a ghost who haunts a graveyard and is seen by a sexton who is digging a grave. The ghost is described as being dressed in tattered black clothes, with eyes that glow like embers. The sexton is frightened but continues to dig the grave, and the ghost disappears into thin air when the task is complete.
By Eugene Field · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Fantasy · 623 words
First lines
Dear wife, last midnight while I read The tomes you so despise, A specter rose beside the bed And spoke in this true wise; "From Canaan's beatific coast I've come to visit thee, For I'm Frognall Dibdin's ghost! " Says Dibdin's ghost to me.
I bade him welcome and we twain Discussed with buoyant hearts The various things that appertain To bibliomaniac arts. "Since you are fresh from t'other side, Pray tell me of that host That treasured books before they died," Says I to Dibdin's ghost.
What this Textopian page supports
Dibdin's Ghost is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, dated 1897 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Satire
- Length: 623 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dibdin's Ghost by Eugene Field
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses wit and satire to discuss bibliomania and the relationship between readers and their spouses.
- Fantasy — The presence of a ghost and the afterlife discussion introduces fantastical elements.
- Literary Fiction — The poem explores themes of love for books and the complexities of relationships, characteristic of literary fiction.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Ghost story · Supernatural · Fantasy · American literature · 19th century · Short story · Fiction · Comedy · Horror · Paranormal