'The Little Ghost' by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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I knew her for a little ghost
That in my garden walked;
The wall is high—higher than most—
And the green gate was locked.
And yet I did not think of that
Till after she was gone—
I knew her by the broad white hat,
All ruffled, she had on.
By the dear ruffles round her feet,
By her small hands that hung
In their lace mitts, austere and sweet,
Her gown's white folds among.
I watched to see if she would stay,
What she would do—and oh!
She looked as if she liked the way
I let my garden grow!
She bent above my favourite mint
With conscious garden grace,
She smiled and smiled—there was no hint
Of sadness in her face.
She held her gown on either side
To let her slippers show,
And up the walk she went with pride,
The way great ladies go.
And where the wall is built in new
And is of ivy bare
She paused—then opened and passed through
A gate that once was there.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"The Little Ghost" by Edna St. Vincent Millay: A Hauntingly Beautiful Poem
Edna St. Vincent Millay's "The Little Ghost" is a mesmerizing poem that explores the theme of loneliness and the longing for companionship. This hauntingly beautiful piece of literature has captured the hearts of readers for generations and continues to do so to this day.
The Poem
Before delving into the deeper meaning behind the poem, it is important to understand the actual text of the poem itself. Here is the poem in its entirety:
I knew her for a little ghost
That in my garden walked;
The wall is high--higher than most--
And the green gate was locked.
And yet I did not think of that
Till after she was gone--
I knew her by the broad white hat,
All ruffled, she had on.
By the dear ruffles round her feet,
By her small hands that hung
In their lace mitts, austere and sweet,
Her gown's white folds among.
I watched to see if she would stay,
What she would do--and oh!
She looked as if she liked the way
I let my garden grow!
She bent above my favourite mint
With conscious garden grace,
She smiled and smiled--there was no hint
Of sadness in her face.
She held her gown on either side
To let her slippers show,
And up the walk she went with pride,
The way great ladies go.
And where the wall is built in new
And is of ivy bare
She paused--then opened and passed through
A gate that once was there.
The Interpretation
At first glance, "The Little Ghost" appears to be a simple, innocent poem about a ghost that wanders through a garden. However, upon closer inspection, the poem is a poignant reflection on the human experience of loneliness and the desire for connection.
The poem is narrated by someone who is watching the little ghost as she walks through the garden. The narrator is intrigued by the ghost's presence but does not feel any fear or apprehension towards her. Instead, the narrator is drawn to the little ghost's attire - a broad white hat, ruffled gown, lace mitts, and slippers - all of which suggest that she is a lady of refinement and elegance. Despite the narrator's initial curiosity, they quickly realize that the ghost is searching for something more than just a place to wander.
The little ghost's behavior in the garden suggests that she is looking for companionship. She takes pride in the narrator's garden and appears to be pleased with the way that it is allowed to grow. Furthermore, she smiles and shows no hint of sadness or despair. This suggests that she is content in the presence of the garden and the narrator.
As the little ghost continues to wander, she pauses at a gate that is built into the wall of the garden. The gate is of ivy and is bare, indicating that it has not been used in a long time. The little ghost then proceeds to open the gate and pass through it. This action symbolizes the little ghost's departure from the garden and her search for a more permanent connection.
Overall, "The Little Ghost" can be interpreted as an exploration of the human experience of loneliness and the longing for connection. The little ghost's presence in the garden represents the desire for companionship and the need to be accepted and loved. The narrator's observation of the little ghost's behavior suggests that when we are lonely, we seek out places and situations that make us feel appreciated and valued.
The Literary Devices Used in the Poem
Edna St. Vincent Millay is known for her use of literary devices in her poetry, and "The Little Ghost" is no exception. In fact, the poem is a masterful combination of different techniques that give the poem its hauntingly beautiful quality.
Alliteration
One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of several words in a phrase or sentence. Millay uses alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem, making it almost lyrical in its delivery. For example, in the line, "By the dear ruffles round her feet", the repetition of the "r" sound in "ruffles" and "round" emphasizes the gentle, delicate nature of the little ghost.
Imagery
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. Imagery refers to the use of descriptive language to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Millay uses imagery to create a haunting, ethereal atmosphere in the poem. For example, in the line, "And where the wall is built in new/And is of ivy bare", Millay uses the image of the ivy-covered wall to create a sense of mystery and wonder. The image of the wall being built in new also suggests that there is a sense of change or transformation happening in the little ghost's life.
Metaphor
Metaphor is another literary device used in the poem. Metaphor is the comparison of two things without using the words "like" or "as". In "The Little Ghost", Millay uses metaphor to create an emotional connection between the little ghost and the narrator. For example, in the line, "She looked as if she liked the way/I let my garden grow!", Millay uses the metaphor of the garden to represent the narrator's life. By suggesting that the little ghost likes the way the garden is allowed to grow, Millay is implying that the little ghost likes the way the narrator lives their life.
The Universal Appeal of the Poem
"The Little Ghost" has a universal appeal that transcends time and cultural differences. The poem's theme of loneliness and the longing for companionship is something that everyone can relate to, regardless of age or background. Furthermore, the poem's use of literary devices creates a musical, lyrical quality that captures the imagination and draws the reader in. It is no wonder that this poem has stood the test of time and continues to be studied and appreciated by readers today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Little Ghost" is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the human experience of loneliness and the longing for connection. Through the use of literary devices such as alliteration, imagery, and metaphor, Edna St. Vincent Millay creates a musical, lyrical quality that captures the reader's imagination and draws them into the world of the little ghost. The poem's universal appeal ensures that it will continue to be studied and appreciated by readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Little Ghost: A Hauntingly Beautiful Poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Edna St. Vincent Millay, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is known for her lyrical and poignant works that explore themes of love, loss, and mortality. One of her most beloved poems is "The Little Ghost," a hauntingly beautiful piece that captures the essence of loneliness and longing. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with a description of a little ghost who wanders through the night, searching for something that she cannot find. The ghost is described as "a little, timid ghost" who "goes shuffling through the night." The use of the word "timid" suggests that the ghost is afraid or hesitant, perhaps because she is lost or alone. The word "shuffling" also implies a sense of uncertainty or aimlessness.
As the poem progresses, we learn more about the little ghost's search. She is looking for "someone she loved long ago" and "something she cannot remember." The repetition of the phrase "long ago" emphasizes the ghost's sense of distance from the past, as if the person she loved and the thing she is searching for are both far away in time and space. The fact that she cannot remember what she is looking for adds to the sense of confusion and disorientation.
The poem then takes a poignant turn as the little ghost realizes that she is alone. She calls out into the darkness, but there is no one there to answer her. The lines "But only the silence answers her, / And sinks, and curls about" convey a sense of emptiness and despair. The use of the word "sinks" suggests a feeling of heaviness or suffocation, as if the silence is pressing down on the little ghost.
Despite her loneliness, the little ghost continues to search. She wanders through the night, hoping to find what she is looking for. The lines "She cannot find him on the hill, / Nor on the moonlit sea" suggest that the little ghost is searching for her lost love in all the places that they used to go together. The fact that she cannot find him adds to the sense of futility and hopelessness.
The poem ends with a powerful image of the little ghost disappearing into the darkness. The lines "And when the night wind roars and bends, / She is no more to see" suggest that the little ghost has finally given up her search and has vanished into the night. The use of the word "roars" conveys a sense of violence or chaos, as if the wind is a force of nature that cannot be controlled. The fact that the little ghost is "no more to see" emphasizes her sense of invisibility and insignificance.
So what is the meaning of this hauntingly beautiful poem? At its core, "The Little Ghost" is a meditation on the human experience of loss and longing. The little ghost represents all of us who have lost someone or something that we love and are searching for a way to fill the void. The fact that she cannot remember what she is looking for suggests that sometimes we don't even know what we are searching for, but we continue to search nonetheless.
The poem also explores the theme of loneliness and the human need for connection. The little ghost is alone in the darkness, calling out into the silence, but there is no one there to answer her. This sense of isolation and despair is something that many of us can relate to, especially in times of grief or heartbreak.
Finally, the poem touches on the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The little ghost is searching for something that is long gone, and in the end, she disappears into the darkness herself. This sense of impermanence and transience is a reminder that life is short and that we should cherish the moments that we have with the people we love.
In conclusion, "The Little Ghost" is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores some of the most profound and universal themes of the human experience. Through the character of the little ghost, Edna St. Vincent Millay captures the essence of loss, longing, loneliness, and mortality, reminding us of the fragility and beauty of life. This classic poem is a testament to Millay's talent as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of the human heart in just a few short lines.
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