Haunted Houses
H. W. Longfellow
Line-by-line explanation
1. "All houses wherein men have lived and died": The poet starts by stating that any house where
people have lived and eventually passed away is haunted in some way.
2. "Are haunted houses. Through the open doors": Longfellow reaffirms the notion of haunting,
suggesting that even through open doors, the presence of spirits can be felt.
3. "The harmless phantoms on their errands glide": The ghosts or spirits in these houses move
about peacefully, going about their business or tasks.
4. "With feet that make no sound upon the floors": These spirits move silently, as if their feet do
not touch the ground.
5. "We meet them at the door-way, on the stair": People encounter these spirits in various parts
of the house, such as doorways and staircases.
6. "Along the passages they come and go": Spirits move through the corridors of the house,
appearing and disappearing.
7. "Impalpable impressions on the air": Their presence is felt but cannot be touched, leaving
only vague impressions in the atmosphere.
8. "A sense of something moving to and fro": There's a feeling of movement, of things shifting
back and forth.
9. "There are more guests at table than the hosts": Longfellow suggests that here are more
spirits present in the house than living occupants.
10. "Invited; the illuminated hall": Despite not being physically invited, the ghosts inhabit the
well-lit spaces of the house.
11. "Is thronged with quiet, inoffensive ghosts": The halls are filled with many peaceful and
harmless spirits.
12. "As silent as the pictures on the wall": These ghosts are as quiet as the paintings hanging on
the walls.
13. "The stranger at my fireside cannot see": The poet implies that outsiders or guests cannot
perceive the spirits as the homeowner can.
14. "The forms I see, nor hear the sounds I hear": The homeowner is attuned to the presence of
these spirits, seeing and hearing what others cannot.
15. "He but perceives what is; while unto me": Others only see what is tangible, while the
homeowner sees the past and present intertwined.
16. "All that has been is visible and clear": The homeowner perceives the history of the house,
including its past inhabitants and events.
17. "We have no title deeds to house or lands": The poet suggests that ownership of a house
extends beyond legal documents to include the spirits of its former inhabitants.
18. "Owners and occupants of earlier dates": Previous owners and residents, long deceased, still
lay claim to the property.
19. "From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands": Even those forgotten by the living reach
out from their graves to retain their connection to the property.
20. "And hold in mortmain still their old estates": The spirits still exert control over the property,
as if it is still legally theirs.
21. "The spirit world around this world of sense": Longfellow contrasts the physical world with
the spiritual realm that surrounds it.
22. "Floats like an atmosphere, and everywhere": The spiritual realm is omnipresent, like the
air we breathe.
23. "Wafts through these earthly mists and vapors dense": Spiritual influence permeates
through the dense atmosphere of the physical world.
24. "A vital breath of more ethereal air": The spiritual influence is like a life-giving breath of
ethereal substance.
25. "Our little lives are kept in equipoise": Human existence is balanced and maintained.
26. "By opposite attractions and desires": This balance is maintained by conflicting desires and
impulses.
27. "The struggle of the instinct that enjoys": The conflict between base desires and higher
aspirations.
28. "And the more noble instinct that aspires": The struggle between satisfying immediate
desires and striving for higher ideals.
29. "These perturbations, this perpetual jar": The poet describes the continuous disturbance
caused by this internal conflict.
30. "Of earthly wants and aspirations high": The conflict between mundane desires and lofty
ambitions.
31. "Come from the influence of an unseen star": Longfellow suggests that this conflict stems
from the influence of celestial bodies beyond human perception.
32. "An undiscovered planet in our sky": He metaphorically refers to an unseen celestial body
affecting human behavior.
33. "And as the moon from some dark gate of cloud": Longfellow shifts to another metaphor,
comparing the influence of the unseen celestial body to the moon emerging from behind clouds.
34. "Throws o’er the sea a floating bridge of light": Just as the moon casts a bridge of light over
the sea, connecting distant points, so does this celestial influence connect the spiritual and
physical realms.
35. "Across whose trembling planks our fancies crowd": Human thoughts and imaginations
traverse this bridge, delving into the realm of mystery and the unknown.
36. "Into the realm of mystery and night": Longfellow refers to the spiritual realm, which is
mysterious and obscured, akin to the darkness of night.
37. “So from the world of spirits there descends”: The poet continues the metaphor, suggesting
that from the spiritual realm, there comes a connection to the physical world.
38. “A bridge of light, connecting it with this”: Similar to the bridge cast by the moon, there is a
connection between the spiritual and physical realms.
39. “O'er whose unsteady floor, that sways and bends”: This bridge is depicted as unstable and
flexible, implying the fluidity and uncertainty of the connection between worlds.
40. “Wander our thoughts above the dark abyss”: Human thoughts and consciousness wander
over this bridge, suspended above the profound mysteries of existence.
Analysis
Longfellow's poem "Haunted Houses" explores themes of the supernatural, the passage of time,
and the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms. Through vivid imagery and
metaphor, he portrays houses as inhabited not only by the living but also by the spirits of those
who have passed, suggesting a timeless and ethereal presence that transcends earthly
boundaries.
"Haunted Houses" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a reflective poem that delves into the
ethereal realm of spirits and the enduring presence of the past within the confines of houses
where people have lived and died. Through rich imagery, metaphors, and thematic
explorations, Longfellow crafts a narrative that transcends the physical world, inviting readers
to contemplate the mysteries of existence, the passage of time, and the interconnectedness of
the spiritual and material realms.
The poem begins with a striking assertion: "All houses wherein men have lived and died / Are
haunted houses." Here, Longfellow immediately establishes the central theme of the poem - the
haunting presence of spirits in houses that have witnessed the cycle of life and death. This
assertion is supported by the imagery of "harmless phantoms" gliding through the open doors,
their movements silent yet palpable. Longfellow's use of the word "phantoms" evokes a sense of
mystery and otherworldliness, reinforcing the supernatural atmosphere of the poem.
Throughout the poem, Longfellow employs various figures of speech to convey his thematic
messages. For example, the metaphor of "harmless phantoms on their errands glide" suggests
that the spirits are engaged in purposeful activities, perhaps echoing the routines of their
former lives. This metaphor humanizes the spirits, portraying them as benign entities rather
than malevolent ghosts.
Another striking metaphor occurs when Longfellow compares the number of spirits present in
the house to the living occupants: "There are more guests at table than the hosts." This
hyperbolic statement emphasizes the overwhelming presence of the spirits, implying that their
influence extends far beyond the physical realm. Moreover, the use of the word "guests" implies
a sense of hospitality and belonging, suggesting that the spirits consider the house their home
despite their intangible nature.
Longfellow further explores the theme of time and memory by depicting the spirits as remnants
of the past that continue to exert their presence in the present. He writes, "We have no title
deeds to house or lands; / Owners and occupants of earlier dates / From graves forgotten
stretch their dusty hands." Here, Longfellow uses metonymy to represent the deceased
individuals as "owners and occupants" of the house, emphasizing their enduring connection to
the property even after death. The image of their "dusty hands" reaching out from forgotten
graves evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia, suggesting that the past is not easily forgotten
or erased.
The poem also reflects on the subjective nature of perception and reality. Longfellow writes,
"The stranger at my fireside cannot see / The forms I see, nor hear the sounds I hear." This
statement highlights the contrast between the homeowner's heightened awareness of the
spirits and the outsider's obliviousness to their presence. By emphasizing the disparity in
perception, Longfellow underscores the idea that reality is shaped by individual experiences
and perspectives.
Central to the poem is the notion of a bridge connecting the physical and spiritual realms.
Longfellow writes, "So from the world of spirits there descends / A bridge of light, connecting it
with this." This metaphorical bridge serves as a conduit through which human thoughts and
consciousness can traverse between the two worlds. By likening the bridge to "a floating bridge
of light," Longfellow imbues it with a sense of transcendence and spirituality, suggesting that it
transcends earthly limitations and boundaries.
In conclusion, "Haunted Houses" is a thought-provoking exploration of the supernatural, time,
memory, perception, and the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms.
Longfellow's masterful use of imagery, metaphor, and thematic depth invites readers to
contemplate the mysteries of existence and the enduring presence of the past in the present.
Through its evocative language and profound insights, the poem leaves a lasting impression,
prompting readers to ponder the boundaries between the seen and unseen worlds.
figures of speech used in the poem "Haunted Houses" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, along
with examples from the text:
1. Metaphor:
- "All houses wherein men have lived and died / Are haunted houses."
- Example: Longfellow metaphorically compares houses where people have lived and died to
haunted houses, suggesting a lingering spiritual presence.
2. Personification:
- "The harmless phantoms on their errands glide"
- Example: Phantoms are given human-like qualities of movement and purpose as they glide
on their errands.
3. Simile:
- "As silent as the pictures on the wall."
- Example: The silence of the ghosts is likened to the silence of the pictures hanging on the
wall.
4. Hyperbole:
- "There are more guests at table than the hosts"
- Example: Longfellow exaggerates the number of spirits present in the house compared to
the living occupants to emphasize their overwhelming presence.
5. Metonymy:
- "Owners and occupants of earlier dates / From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands"
- Example: "Graves forgotten" is used to refer to the deceased individuals who once owned or
occupied the house, emphasizing their connection to the property.
6. Anthropomorphism:
- "The spirit world around this world of sense / Floats like an atmosphere"
- Example: Longfellow attributes human-like qualities of floating and surrounding to the
spirit world.
7. Symbolism:
- "A bridge of light, connecting it with this"
- Example: The "bridge of light" symbolizes the connection between the physical and spiritual
realms, representing the passage between the two worlds.
8. Alliteration:
- "A sense of something moving to and fro"
- Example: The repetition of the "m" sound in "moving to and fro" creates a rhythmic effect
and emphasizes the sense of movement.
9. Assonance:
- "O'er whose unsteady floor, that sways and bends"
- Example: The repetition of the long "o" sound in "O'er," "whose," "floor," and "sways" creates
a melodic quality and adds emphasis to the description of the bridge's instability.
10. Onomatopoeia:
- "With feet that make no sound upon the floors."
- Example: The phrase "feet that make no sound" uses words that imitate the sound of
footsteps, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the poem.
These figures of speech enrich the poem by adding layers of meaning, creating vivid imagery,
and evoking emotional responses from the reader.
"Haunted Houses" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow explores several central and
subsidiary themes, each contributing to the overall depth and meaning of the poem:
1. The Supernatural and the Spiritual Realm: The primary theme of the poem revolves
around the supernatural and the existence of spirits or ghosts in houses where people have lived
and died. Longfellow portrays these houses as being inhabited not only by the living but also by
the lingering presence of the deceased, emphasizing the ethereal and spiritual dimension that
transcends the physical world.
2. Time and Memory: Another central theme is the passage of time and the continuity of
memory. Longfellow suggests that the spirits of past occupants continue to inhabit the houses
they once lived in, retaining a connection to their former dwellings even after death. This theme
highlights the enduring influence of the past on the present and the way in which memories
linger in physical spaces.
3. Perception and Reality: The poem explores the contrast between different perceptions of
reality. While the homeowner is attuned to the presence of spirits and the history of the house,
outsiders or strangers are unaware of these invisible presences. Longfellow reflects on the
subjective nature of perception and the idea that reality is shaped by individual experiences
and perspectives.
4. Existential Reflections: Longfellow delves into existential questions about human existence
and the mysteries of life and death. Through the portrayal of haunted houses and the presence
of spirits, the poem prompts readers to contemplate the nature of consciousness, the afterlife,
and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
5. Conflict and Balance: The poem touches upon the theme of inner conflict and the struggle
between opposing forces within human nature. Longfellow describes the balance between
earthly desires and higher aspirations, suggesting that human lives are shaped by the tension
between instinctual pleasures and noble ambitions.
6. Connection Between Worlds: Finally, the poem explores the theme of connectivity between
the physical and spiritual realms. Longfellow uses imagery of bridges and light to symbolize the
connection between the world of the living and the world of spirits, suggesting that there is a
fluid and permeable boundary between these two realms.
Overall, "Haunted Houses" delves into themes of the supernatural, memory, perception,
existential reflection, inner conflict, and the connection between the physical and spiritual
worlds. Through its rich imagery and thought-provoking exploration of these themes, the poem
invites readers to contemplate the mysteries of existence and the enduring presence of the past
in the present.
