In the Attic by John Gould Fletcher
The novel revolves around a young woman's life in a decaying mansion with her family and their servants. It explores themes of decay, morality, and the decline of social class. The story is told through multiple narrative voices, creating a sense of fragmentation and disjointedness that mirrors the crumbling world of the characters.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1923 · Genre: Poetry, Gothic, Literary Fiction · 145 words
First lines
Dust hangs clogged so thick The air has a dusty taste: Spider threads cling to my face, From the broad pine-beams.
There is nothing living here, The house below might be quite empty, No sound comes from it.
The old broken trunks and boxes, Cracked and dusty pictures, Legless chairs and shattered tables, Seem to be crying Softly in the stillness Because no one has brushed them.
No one has any use for them, now, Yet I often wonder If these things are really dead: If the old trunks never open Letting out grey flapping things at twilight?
What this Textopian page supports
In the Attic is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Gothic, Literary Fiction, Symbolism, Mystery
- Length: 145 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Attic by John Gould Fletcher
- 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 In the Attic?
- How does this poem by John Gould Fletcher fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Grown Up by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Grass by John Gould Fletcher
- The Golden Age by James Baldwin
- Which Was The King by James Baldwin
- We Who Were Young Are Old by Dylan Thomas
- Old Nursery by John Gould Fletcher
Genres
- Poetry — The work employs a lyrical style, utilizing rhythm and imagery characteristic of poetry.
- Gothic — Themes of decay, abandonment, and a haunting atmosphere align with Gothic conventions.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on introspection and the exploration of themes related to memory and existence fits within literary fiction.
- Symbolism — The objects and settings serve as symbols for deeper emotional and existential themes.
Tags
Autobiographical · Memoir · Poetry · Southern Gothic · Coming-of-age · Nostalgia · Family dynamics · Childhood memories · Literary nonfiction · Regionalism · American literature · 20th century literature