Fragment of a Ghost Story
Granny takes a shovel of ashes from a dark corner of the hearth and goes off muttering mysteries. Helen and Henry follow, knowing she fears ghosts; Helen clings to her brother’s arm and shakes.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley · Genre: Gothic Poetry, Narrative Poetry · 77 words
First lines
A shovel of his ashes took / From the hearth's obscurest nook, / Muttering mysteries as she went. / Helen and Henry knew that Granny / Was as much afraid of Ghosts as any, / And so they followed hard- / But Helen clung to her brother's arm, / And her own spasm made her shake.
Genres
- Gothic Poetry — The verse fragment combines ashes from an obscure hearth corner, muttered mysteries, fear of ghosts, and Helen’s trembling.
- Narrative Poetry — The lines recount Granny’s departure and the siblings’ pursuit, ending with Helen clinging to her brother.
Tags
fear of ghosts · ashes · hearth · siblings · poetic fragment
What this Textopian page supports
Fragment of a Ghost Story is listed on Textopian as a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Percy Bysshe Shelley
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 77 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
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