Haunted

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
When grave the twilight settles o'er my roof, And from the haggard oaks unto my door The rain comes, wild as one who rides before His enemies that follow, hoof to hoof; And in each window's gusty curtain-woof The rain-wind sighs, like one who mutters o'er Some tale of love and crime; and, on the floor, The sunset spreads red stains as bloody proof; From hall to hall and stealthy stair to stair, Through all the house, a dread that drags me toward The ancient dusk of that avoided room, Wherein she sits with ghostly golden hair, And eyes that gaze beyond her soul's sad doom, Bending above an unreal harpsichord.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is imbued with a sense of melancholy and dread, evoking the essence of a haunted, stormy evening. The narrative leads the reader through a darkened house, creating a sense of foreboding through a rich tapestry of imagery and metaphor. The poet employs the prevailing theme of the supernatural, with the eerie presence of "she" with "ghostly golden hair," inviting interpretations around loss, memory, and the haunting nature of past relationships.

In terms of structure, the poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme, which adds to its rhythmic flow and ensures a smooth progression of the narrative. The poet also uses powerful literary techniques, such as personification and simile, to depict the rain and wind as active figures in the narrative. The repeated use of colour symbolism, particularly red, alludes to elements of violence or passion, contributing to the overall ominous tone. The final line leaves the reader with a chilling image of the spectral woman at the harpsichord, cementing the poem's eerie atmosphere and hinting at a tragic backstory. In conclusion, this poem is a skillful blend of evocative imagery, thematic exploration, and narrative progression, creating a hauntingly beautiful piece that lingers in the reader's mind.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.