Haunted by Madison Cawein (1909)
The poem explores themes of haunting, memory, and the interplay between the living and the spectral. It begins with a vivid depiction of a stormy twilight, setting a somber and eerie atmosphere. The speaker describes the rain as wild and relentless, evoking a sense of urgency and foreboding. The imagery of the wind and the curtains suggests a whispering presence, hinting at a narrative of love intertwined with crime. As the speaker navigates through the house, a palpable dread envelops him, drawing him toward a specific room that he seems to avoid. This room is associated with a ghostly figure, a woman with golden hair and sorrowful eyes, who appears to be trapped in her own tragic fate. The harpsichord she plays symbolizes a connection to the past, perhaps representing lost love or unresolved issues. The poem delves into the emotional weight of memories and the haunting nature of unresolved relationships. The speaker's reluctance to confront the room and its occupant reflects a struggle with the past, suggesting that the memories contained within are both beautiful and painful. The ghostly presence serves as a reminder of what has been lost, and the speaker's journey through the house mirrors an internal exploration of grief and longing. Overall, the work encapsulates the tension between the living and the dead, illustrating how the past continues to influence the present. The haunting atmosphere, combined with the poignant imagery, creates a powerful meditation on love, loss, and the inescapable nature of memory.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1909 · Genre: Gothic, Poetry, Romanticism · 167 words
First lines
When grave the twilight settles o'er my roof, And from the haggard oaks unto my door The rain comes, wild as one who rides before His enemies that follow, hoof to hoof; And in each window's gusty curtain-woof The rain-wind sighs, like one who mutters o'er Some tale of love and crime; and, on the floor, The sunset spreads red stains as bloody proof; From hall to hall and stealthy stair to stair, Through all the house, a dread that drags me toward The ancient dusk of that avoided room, Wherein she sits with ghostly golden hair, And eyes that gaze beyond her soul's sad doom, Bending above an unreal harpsichord.
What this Textopian page supports
Haunted is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic, Poetry, Romanticism, Supernatural, Mystery
- Length: 167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Gothic — The poem features dark themes, supernatural elements, and a haunting atmosphere typical of Gothic literature.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Supernatural — The presence of ghosts and the eerie setting suggest supernatural elements.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Nature · Death · Mortality · Grief · Loss · Spirituality · Philosophy · Existentialism · Psychological Insight