A Dead House by George MacDonald
A Dead House is a novel by George MacDonald that tells the story of a young man named Paul who inherits an old house from his uncle. The house is said to be haunted, and Paul soon discovers that it is indeed inhabited by ghosts. As he tries to uncover the secrets of the house, he learns about the tragic history of its former inhabitants and comes to understand the true nature of life and death.
By George MacDonald · First published 1862 · Genre: Gothic, Horror, Poetry · 307 words
First lines
When the clock hath ceased to tick Soul-like in the gloomy hall; When the latch no more doth click Tongue-like in the red peach-wall; When no more come sounds of play, Mice nor children romping roam, Then looks down the eye of day On a dead house, not a home!
But when, like an old sun's ghost, Haunts her vault the spectral moon; When earth's margins all are lost, Melting shapes nigh merged in swoon, Then a sound -- hark! there again! -- No, 'tis not a nibbling mouse! 'Tis a ghost, unseen of men, Walking through the bare-floored house!
What this Textopian page supports
A Dead House is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1862 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1862 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic, Horror, Poetry, Philosophical
- Length: 307 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Dead House by George MacDonald
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Dead House?
- How does this poem by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Angel Of Pain by E. F. Benson
- The Dead Bride by Anonymous
- The Wraith by Gilbert Parker
- One Face I See by Gilbert Parker
- Olalla by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Striding Place by Gertrude Atherton
Genres
- Gothic — The poem features elements typical of Gothic literature, such as a haunted house, spectral moon, and ghostly presence, creating an eerie and mysterious atmosphere.
- Horror — The presence of ghosts and the theme of death contribute to a sense of fear and the supernatural, aligning with horror genre conventions.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The poem explores existential themes, such as the nature of the soul and the concept of death, prompting philosophical reflection.
Tags
mystery · supernatural · gothic · haunting · suspense · psychological · dark · family · secrets · tragedy · redemption · love