The Child at the Gate
The poem depicts a reflective encounter between a man and a child at an old, seemingly abandoned house. As the sun sets, casting a golden hue, the man strolls down a weedy lane and notices the child at a broken gate, singing a sorrowful song while weeping. Intrigued, he attempts to engage her, but she appears lost in her own world, unresponsive to his questions. Suddenly, she flees in fear, prompting him to follow, yet the house remains lifeless and shrouded in mystery. The man learns from others that the house is haunted and that no one lives there anymore. This revelation triggers a memory of a girl named Joy, with whom he played in that very lane during his childhood. The poem explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the haunting nature of memories, as the man grapples with the connection between the child and his past. The imagery evokes a sense of melancholy, emphasizing the passage of time and the lingering impact of lost innocence. The child symbolizes both the joy of youth and the sorrow of unfulfilled potential, leaving the man enveloped in a sense of longing and reflection.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic · 378 words
First lines
The sunset was a sleepy gold, And stars were in the skies When down a weedy lane he strolled In vague and thoughtless wise.
And then he saw it, near a wood, An old house, gabled brown, Like some old woman, in a hood, Looking toward the town.
What this Textopian page supports
The Child at the Gate is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, 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: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic, Literary Fiction, Childhood
- Length: 378 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- The Blind Harper by Madison Cawein
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- Rondeau by David Park Barnitz
- Answered by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nostalgia, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Gothic — The presence of a haunted house and a mysterious child evokes Gothic elements.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character introspection and thematic depth categorizes it as literary fiction.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Childhood · Grief · Loss · Memory · Nostalgia · Imagery · Symbolism · Nature · Solitude