A Ghost of Yesterday
The poem depicts a house that embodies the memories of the past, particularly the lingering presence of a lost love. The setting is characterized by a garden and shaded paths, evoking a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. An old man, representing the passage of time, visits this place, reminiscing about a beauty from his youth. He is portrayed as frail and reflective, searching for the ghost of his past, which is more significant to him than the physical surroundings. As he wanders through the garden, he is enveloped in memories of a woman who once filled his life with joy. The imagery of the garden, with its roses and the sounds of nature, serves as a backdrop for his longing. The old man’s connection to the past is palpable; he waits for the apparition of his beloved, who remains a vivid presence in his mind despite her physical absence. The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of memory. The old man's yearning for the ghost of his past highlights the emotional weight of nostalgia and the way it shapes one's identity. The contrast between the vibrant memories and the stark reality of loss underscores the poignancy of his experience. Ultimately, the work reflects on how the past continues to influence the present, as the old man clings to the remnants of a love that transcends time.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic · 372 words
First lines
There is a house beside a way, Where dwells a ghost of Yesterday: The old face of a beauty, faded, Looks from its garden: and the shaded Long walks of locust-trees, that seem Forevermore to sigh and dream, Keep whispering low a word that's true, Of shapes that haunt its avenue, Clad as in days of belle and beau, Who come and go Around its ancient portico.
What this Textopian page supports
A Ghost of Yesterday is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 372 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nostalgia, beauty, and the passage of time reflect Romantic ideals.
- Gothic — The presence of a ghost and the melancholic atmosphere align with Gothic elements.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character introspection and emotional depth categorizes it as literary fiction.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Mortality · Loss · Memory · Nostalgia · Longing · Regret · Fading · Ephemerality