The Ghost by Henry Lawson (1903)
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after years away and becomes embroiled in the lives of the local people. He forms a close bond with an elderly woman, known as The Ghost, who has been ostracized by the community due to her eccentric behavior. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that The Ghost is not just a recluse but also a deeply troubled individual, haunted by her past and struggling to cope with the harsh realities of rural life. Through his interactions with her, the young man gains insight into the complexities of human nature and the devastating consequences of isolation. The story explores themes of loneliness, redemption, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Social Commentary · 697 words
First lines
Down the street as I was drifting with the city's human tide, Came a ghost, and for a moment walked in silence by my side -- Now my heart was hard and bitter, and a bitter spirit he, So I felt no great aversion to his ghostly company. Said the Shade: 'At finer feelings let your lip in scorn be curled, 'Self and Pelf', my friend, has ever been the motto for the world.'
What this Textopian page supports
The Ghost is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Social Commentary, Allegory, Narrative
- Length: 697 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ghost by Henry Lawson
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Ghost?
- How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Philosophical — The poem explores philosophical themes such as the nature of happiness, truth, and societal values.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and the pursuit of wealth and self-interest over altruism and virtue.
- Allegory — The ghost serves as an allegorical figure representing cynicism and materialism, contrasted by a brighter presence symbolizing virtue.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Regional Fiction · Social Commentary · Working Class Life · Poverty · Isolation · Loneliness · Mortality · Grief · Family Dynamics