A Child's Nightmare by Robert Graves
The poem explores the haunting presence of a nightmarish figure that embodies fear and trauma, particularly from childhood. The speaker recounts experiences of being tormented by this entity, which is characterized by its monstrous, formless nature and a repetitive, chilling chant of "Cat! Cat! Cat!" This phrase becomes a symbol of the relentless grip of fear, echoing through the speaker's dreams and memories. The narrative shifts between different stages of life, illustrating how the nightmare resurfaces despite the passage of time. The figure's return is marked by vivid imagery, such as the clanking of a night train and the oppressive weight of the creature, which evokes feelings of helplessness and dread. The speaker's attempts to escape this terror are futile, as it continues to invade both waking and sleeping moments. The poem culminates in a reflection on mortality, suggesting that even in death, the haunting voice will persist. The finality of the speaker's fate is contrasted with the enduring nature of the nightmare, emphasizing the inescapable connection between trauma and memory. The repetition of the word "Cat" serves as a reminder of the simplicity and absurdity of the fear, yet it remains profoundly impactful, illustrating how childhood fears can linger into adulthood and shape one's psyche. The work ultimately conveys a sense of existential dread, where the past continues to haunt the present, leaving an indelible mark on the speaker's consciousness.
By Robert Graves · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Horror, Fantasy · 439 words
First lines
Through long nursery nights he stood By my bed unwearying, Loomed gigantic, formless, queer, Purring in my haunted ear That same hideous nightmare thing, Talking, as he lapped my blood, In a voice cruel and flat, Saying for ever, "Cat! . Cat! . Cat! ."
That one word was all he said, That one word through all my sleep, In monotonous mock despair. Nonsense may be light as air, But there's Nonsense that can keep Horror bristling round the head, When a voice cruel and flat Says for ever, "Cat! . Cat! . Cat! ."
What this Textopian page supports
A Child's Nightmare is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Graves, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Graves
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Horror, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Children's Literature
- Length: 439 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Child's Nightmare by Robert Graves
- 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 A Child's Nightmare?
- How does this poem by Robert Graves fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Ghosts Of A Lunatic Asylum by Stephen Vincent Benet
- Shadow March by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Fiddling Wood by Stephen Vincent Benet
- The Grave Tree by Bliss Carman
- The Monk And The Hangmans Daughter by Ambrose Bierce
- Portrait Of A Boy by Stephen Vincent Benet
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhythm and imagery.
- Horror — The themes of nightmares, fear, and a haunting presence create a sense of horror throughout the poem.
- Fantasy — The surreal elements and the presence of a monstrous figure contribute to a fantastical atmosphere.
- Literary Fiction — The poem explores deep emotional and psychological themes, characteristic of literary fiction.
Tags
nightmare · horror · childhood · dreams · fear · blood · monotony · darkness · surreal · violence · death · memory