Haunted Houses in Poetry

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Questions and Answers

What are the two types of instincts discussed?

Biological instincts and cultural instincts

Emotional instincts and rational instincts

Survival instincts and creative instincts

Base instincts and noble instincts (correct)

What consequences arise from the conflict between earthly needs and high aspirations?

Increased clarity in decision-making

Anxieties and mental disturbances (correct)

Complete emotional stability

Enhanced spiritual growth and enlightenment

How does the speaker suggest our memories relate to the spirits of loved ones?

They act as a barrier between worlds

They float on a bridge connecting us to them (correct)

They decay over time, losing connection

They repel spirits from connecting with us

What imagery is used to describe the connection between the worlds of the living and spirits?

A floating bridge created by moonlight Signup and view all the answers

What emotion is evoked by the memories of loved ones, according to the speaker?

Deep sorrow and longing Signup and view all the answers

What does the metaphor of the 'dark abyss' represent in the context of the speaker's message?

The dangers of forgetting loved ones Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the nature of human fears and anxieties?

They are influenced by unknown universal forces Signup and view all the answers

What does achieving equipoise mean in the context of human instincts?

Harmonizing both base and noble instincts Signup and view all the answers

What emotional tone does the poem strive to convey at its conclusion?

Comfort and reassurance Signup and view all the answers

What role does the moonlight play in the speaker's imagery?

Bridging realms between the living and the dead Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the ghosts described by the speaker?

They are described as harmless phantoms. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best represents the ghosts' ability to interact with the environment?

They are impressions on the air that cannot be felt. Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker perceive the presence of ghosts compared to a stranger or guest?

The speaker can see and perceive the past clearly. Signup and view all the answers

What do the earlier occupants of the house claim over their properties?

They spread their soiled hands from forgotten graves. Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker describe the relationship between the world of spirits and the human world?

The spirit world floats around the human world like air. Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker imply about human lives in relation to ownership and permanence?

Human lives are short and do not guarantee ownership. Signup and view all the answers

What imagery does the speaker use to describe the presence of uninvited guests at the dining table?

They silently crowd the hall beyond the invited guests. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor is used to describe the connection between the world of spirits and the physical world?

The spirit world is akin to earthly mists and vapours. Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'opposite attractions and desires' play in human lives according to the speaker?

They are essential for maintaining balance. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the ghosts’ presence is notable in the speaker's perception?

They are felt heavily but not seen. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Concept of Haunted Houses

All houses inhabited by men are considered haunted by the spirits of previous occupants.
Ghosts are portrayed as benign 'harmless phantoms' engaged in daily activities.

Nature of Ghosts

Ghosts move silently and purposefully throughout the house, resembling their living behaviors.
They manifest as 'impressions on the air' that are intangible and not physically felt.
Their presence is subtly felt in different areas of the house: doorways, stairs, and passages.

Interaction with the Living

Ghosts can join living guests at the dining table, increasing the apparent number of attendees.
They remain silent, akin to portraits hanging on walls, unnoticed by most.

Perception of the Speaker

The speaker distinguishes between their ability to perceive ghosts and a stranger’s limited perspective.
The speaker can see and hear these spectral forms, having connections to both past and present.

Ownership of Property

Living humans lack permanent ownership of houses; past occupants haunt their former homes.
Earlier owners, neglected in their graves, reclaim their association with the properties.

Dual Nature of Human Life

Human existence is characterized by shortness, balanced by conflicting desires and instincts.
Two instinct types: base instincts for worldly pleasures and noble instincts for spiritual aspirations.

Source of Human Anxiety

Mental disturbances and fears arise from earthly desires versus higher aspirations.
External, unknown forces from a distant universe shape these anxieties.

Imagery of the Moonlight Bridge

The moonlight creates a bridge that connects human imagination to a mystical realm.
It symbolizes a link to the spirits of departed loved ones, guiding memories across an abyss.

Connection to Memories

Floating memories act as a bridge, preventing the living from succumbing to sorrow.
These memories maintain ties to the deceased, creating a comforting connection beyond death.

Conclusion

The poem concludes on a reassuring note, emphasizing the enduring bond between the living and spirits through memories.

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Description

Explore the intriguing perspective on ghosts and spirits presented in poetry. This quiz delves into the idea that houses hold the 'impressions on the air' of their former occupants, depicted as harmless figures engaging in purposeful activities. Test your understanding of this unique portrayal of the supernatural.