HAUNTED HOUSES – H.W.

LONGFELLOW

I. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follow:
All houses wherein men have lived and
died Are haunted houses. Through the
open doors The harmless phantoms on
their errands glide, With feet that make
no sound upon the floors.
i. According to the narrator of the poem, why are all the houses haunted? What
kind of houses are these?
Ans. According to the narrator of the poem, all houses where people have lived and died
are haunted. These houses are haunted not by malevolent spirits, but by the memories and
remnants of the lives that were once lived within them. They are described as "haunted
houses" because the presence of those who have passed away lingers within them,
manifesting as "harmless phantoms" that move through the rooms and hallways. These
houses retain the impressions and echoes of past occupants, creating an atmosphere
imbued with the essence of those who once called them home.

ii. Who are the ‘harmless phantoms’? How are these phantoms different from the
usual image of the phantoms?
Ans. The "harmless phantoms" referred to in the poem are the spirits or memories of past
occupants who have lived and died within the houses. These phantoms are different from
the usual image of ghosts or spirits in that they are portrayed as gentle and benign entities.
Rather than being depicted as frightening or malevolent, these phantoms are described as
"harmless" and move about the house silently, leaving no trace except for the faint
impressions they create.

iii. What ‘errands’ are done by these phantoms? Are their errands different from the
known
errands of phantoms? How?
Ans. In the poem, the "harmless phantoms" are described as performing "errands" as
they move through the haunted houses. These errands are not specified in detail within
the text, but the implication is that they are mundane or routine tasks associated with
daily life. The
phantoms may be retracing actions or movements that they performed while they were
alive, such as walking down hallways, ascending stairs, or moving through rooms.
However, in Longfellow's poem, the errands of the harmless phantoms seem to be more
subtle and
tranquil. They glide through the house quietly, leaving behind only faint impressions and
a
sense of movement. Unlike the restless spirits of traditional ghost stories, these phantoms
do not seem to be driven by any particular motive or emotion. Instead, they appear to be
 simply going about their business in a peaceful and unobtrusive manner, adding to the
atmosphere of quiet haunting within the house.

iv. At what places in the house are these phantoms found as described later in the
poem? How do they enter the house?
Ans. In the later part of the poem, the phantoms are described as being present
throughout the house, moving in various locations:
At the door-way: The phantoms are encountered as one enters or exits the house,
suggesting that they may linger near the entrances, welcoming or bidding farewell to
visitors.
On the stair: They are also encountered on the staircase, implying that they move up
and down the stairs as they go about their errands.
Along the passages: The phantoms move through the passages or corridors of the house,
traversing from one room to another.
These phantoms seem to enter the house through "open doors," as mentioned in the first
stanza of the poem. Longfellow suggests that they glide through the open doors silently,
with "feet that make no sound upon the floors." This implies that the phantoms enter the
house in a subtle and unobtrusive manner, perhaps through an ethereal or spiritual means
rather than
physical doors. Their presence is characterized by its quietness and gentleness, adding
to the overall atmosphere of haunting described in the poem.

v. Explain briefly how this extract suggests the title of the poem.
Ans. This extract from the poem suggests the title "Haunted Houses" by describing how
all houses where people have lived and died are haunted in some way. The phrase
"haunted
houses" is used metaphorically to convey the idea that the memories and spirits of past
occupants linger within these homes, creating an atmosphere of haunting. The imagery
of "harmless phantoms" gliding through the open doors reinforces the notion of
haunting, as these spirits move silently through the house on their unseen errands.
Overall, the extract implies that the presence of past inhabitants imbues the houses with
a sense of haunting, hence suggesting the title of the poem.

II. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follow:
There are more guests at table than the
hosts Invited; the illuminated hall
Is thronged with quiet, inoffensive
ghosts, As silent as the pictures on
the wall.

i. Why are there more guests at the table? How do these uninvited guests behave at the
table? Ans. The line "There are more guests at table than the hosts invited" suggests that
the number of spirits or memories of past inhabitants within the house surpasses the
 number of current
living occupants. This metaphorical statement implies that the presence of the deceased is
felt strongly within the household, as if they are still participating in the daily life of the
home.
These "uninvited guests" behave at the table in a manner that reflects their ethereal and
immaterial nature. They are described as "quiet, inoffensive ghosts" who are "as silent as
the pictures on the wall." This suggests that they do not actively disrupt or disturb the
living
occupants; instead, they coexist peacefully and unobtrusively

ii. Why are they described as ‘quiet’ and ‘inoffensive’? State two other traits of the
ghosts described in the poem.
Ans. The ghosts are described as "quiet" and "inoffensive" because they do not disturb or
disrupt the living occupants of the house. Their presence is subtle and gentle, lacking any
malevolent intent or action. They glide through the house silently, leaving no disturbance
in their wake.
Two other traits of the ghosts described in the poem are:
Subtle: The ghosts are depicted as subtle entities, barely perceptible and easily
overlooked by those who are not attuned to their presence. They move through the house
with "feet that
make no sound upon the floors," suggesting a delicate and understated presence.

Persistent: The ghosts are portrayed as persistent beings whose presence endures beyond
the passage of time. They linger in the house, retaining their connection to the earthly
realm even after their physical bodies have perished. This persistence contributes to the
haunting
atmosphere of the house, as their presence continues to be felt by those who inhabit it.

iii. Why are they ‘as silent as the pictures on the wall’? Whose ‘picture’ are they?
Ans. The ghosts are described as "as silent as the pictures on the wall" to emphasize
their quiet and unobtrusive nature. Just as pictures on the wall do not make any noise
or
disturbance, the ghosts move through the house without causing any audible commotion.
This comparison underscores the subtle and peaceful presence of the ghosts within the
household.

iv. Which figure of speech is used in this extract? Explain this figure of speech.
Ans. The figure of speech used in this extract is a simile. A simile is a literary device that
compares two different things using the words "like" or "as" to create a vivid and
imaginative image. In this case, the poet compares the quietness and inoffensiveness of
the ghosts to the
silence of the pictures on the wall by stating that the ghosts are "as silent as the pictures
on the wall." By using a simile, the poet enhances the reader's understanding of the
ghosts'
demeaner and behaviour, emphasizing their unobtrusive and peaceful nature by
likening it to the stillness of the pictures on the wall.
v. In this extract, there is a reference to ‘more guests’. What is said in the extract that
shows that they are uninvited?
Ans. In the extract, the reference to "more guests at table than the hosts / Invited" suggests
that the additional guests are uninvited. This indicates that there are more spirits or
memories of past inhabitants within the house than there are current living occupants
who have been
formally invited or welcomed. The implication is that these additional "guests" are not
physically present in the conventional sense but are instead the unseen presence of the
deceased who have inhabited the house in the past. Therefore, they are described as
uninvited because their presence is not actively sought or acknowledged by the living
occupants of the house.

III. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follow:
We have no title-deeds to house or
lands; Owners and occupants of
earlier dates
From graves forgotten stretch their dusty
hands, And hold in mortmain still their old
estates.

i. Who are ‘We’ referred to in this extract? Why they do not have ‘title-deeds to
house or lands’
Ans. In this extract, the speaker uses the pronoun "We" to refer to the current living
occupants of the house or inhabitants of the world. The speaker is suggesting that neither
the current occupants of the house nor people in general have "title-deeds to house or
lands."
The reason they do not have "title-deeds to house or lands" is because the ownership of
the property or land has passed from the living to the deceased. The line "Owners and
occupants of earlier dates / From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands" implies
that the ownership and control of these properties have transferred to those who have
died and been buried.
These past owners and occupants still exert influence over their old estates, even though
they have long since passed away.
ii. Who are the ‘Owners and Occupants of earlier dates’?
Ans. The "Owners and Occupants of earlier dates" refer to the individuals who lived in
or owned the house or lands before the current occupants. These individuals are now
deceased
and buried, as indicated by the phrase "From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands."
The poem suggests that despite their physical absence, these past owners and occupants
still exert influence over their former estates, holding onto them even from beyond the
grave. They
represent the lingering presence of the past within the house and the ongoing
connection between the living and the dead.

iii. Explain the line – ‘From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands’ with reference
to the poem.
Ans. The line "From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands" from the poem
suggests that the ownership and influence of the deceased individuals extend from their
graves to the
properties they once owned or occupied. This imagery evokes the idea that even in
death, these past owners and occupants retain a hold over their old estates.
The phrase "graves forgotten" implies that these individuals have been laid to rest and
perhaps their physical graves have been neglected or overlooked over time. Despite
being forgotten or overlooked by the living, their influence persists, symbolized by
their "dusty hands" reaching out from their graves.

iv. Who ‘hold in mortmain still their old estates’? Why?

Ans. In the poem, these deceased individuals are described as "Owners and occupants
of earlier dates" who have passed away and been buried. Despite their physical
absence, they still maintain a figurative hold over their old estates. This suggests that
their influence
transcends death and persists in the form of memories, legacies, or perhaps even spiritual
presence.
The reason why they continue to hold onto their old estates even after death is not
explicitly stated in the poem. However, it may be interpreted as a reflection of the
enduring impact that individuals have on the places they once inhabited, as well as the
idea that ownership and
attachment to property extend beyond the physical realm into the realm of memory and
legacy.
v. Explain briefly two poetic devices used in this extract with examples.
Ans. Metaphor: The first poetic device employed in this extract is metaphor. Specifically,
the phrase "Owners and occupants of earlier dates / From graves forgotten stretch their
dusty
hands" utilizes metaphor to liken the deceased individuals to owners and occupants who
continue to exert influence over their old estates from beyond the grave. This
metaphorical
language creates a vivid image of the deceased individuals reaching out from their graves
to maintain control over the properties they once owned or inhabited.

Personification: Another poetic device utilized in this extract is personification.

Personification is the attribution of human qualities to non-human entities. In this case,
the line "From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands" personifies the graves by
suggesting that they have the ability to "stretch" their "dusty hands." This
personification imbues the
graves with a sense of agency, as if they possess the ability to reach out and exert
influence over the properties associated with the deceased individuals buried within
 them.

IV Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follow:
Our little lives are kept in
equipoise By opposite
attractions and desires;
The struggle of the instinct that
enjoys, And the more noble instinct
that aspires.

[Link] ‘little lives’ are referred to in the first line of the extract? In comparison to
whom are they ‘little’ and why?
Ans. In the line "Our little lives are kept in equipoise," the speaker is referring to the lives
of human beings in general, including both themselves and their audience or readers. The
term
"little" in this context is used to convey a sense of humility or insignificance in
comparison to larger or grander forces at play in the world. The "little lives" are
contrasted with the broader scope of existence, suggesting that in the grand scheme of
things, individual human lives may seem small or insignificant. By describing lives as
"little," the speaker emphasizes the
fragility and impermanence of human existence in contrast to the greater forces that shape
the world.

[Link] is balance maintained in their short lives?

Ans. The struggle between these opposing instincts creates a sense of tension and
perturbation in human existence, as described in the lines "The struggle of the instinct that
enjoys, / And the more noble instinct that aspires." Despite the perpetual jar of earthly
wants and aspirations, the balance is maintained by the interplay between these
contrasting forces. Essentially, the speaker suggests that human lives are kept in balance
by the constant tension between the desire for pleasure and fulfillment in the present
moment and the aspiration for higher ideals and goals that transcend immediate
gratification. This delicate balance between enjoyment and aspiration shapes human
experience and contributes to the complexity of
individual lives.

iv. What are the two types of instincts referred to in this extract? Give examples of each
type.
Ans. The instinct that enjoys: This instinct represents the human desire for immediate
pleasure and gratification. It is the inclination towards indulging in sensory pleasures and
fulfilling one's desires for comfort, happiness, and satisfaction in the present moment.

The more noble instinct that aspires: This instinct represents the human drive for
growth, improvement, and transcendence. It is the inclination towards striving for higher
 ideals,
aspirations, and goals that contribute to personal development and fulfilment in the long
term.

v. What is the reason for the struggle between the two types of instincts? How is this
struggle resolved?
Ans. The struggle between the two types of instincts arises from the inherent tension
between seeking immediate pleasure and gratification versus aspiring towards higher
ideals and goals that transcend immediate desires. This conflict reflects the complexity
of human nature and the competing motivations that drive human behavior. The
resolution of this
struggle is not explicitly stated in the poem, but it is suggested that balance is
maintained through the ongoing interplay between these opposing instincts. Despite the
perpetual jar of earthly wants and aspirations, the speaker implies that human lives are
kept in equipoise by the tension and balance between these conflicting forces.

V. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follow:
These perturbations, this perpetual
jar Of earthly wants and
aspirations high,
Come from the influence of an unseen
star An undiscovered planet in our
sky.

i. What are referred to as ‘these perturbations’? who are affected by ‘these

perturbations’? Ans. In the poem, "these perturbations" refer to the conflicts and tensions
that arise from the struggle between opposing instincts within human beings—the instinct
that enjoys immediate pleasure and the more noble instinct that aspires for greater ideals.

These perturbations affect all individuals, as suggested by the phrase "Our little lives are
kept in equipoise." The speaker reflects on the universal experience of navigating the
tension
between seeking immediate enjoyment and aspiring towards higher ideals. Thus, "these
perturbations" are experienced by all human beings as they strive to find balance and
harmony in their lives amidst conflicting desires and aspirations.

ii. Which figure of speech is used in the line – ‘this perpetual jar/Of earthly
wants and aspirations high’? Explain it briefly.
Ans. The figure of speech used in the line "this perpetual jar/Of earthly wants and
aspirations high" is a metaphor. In this metaphor, the poet compares the conflicts and
tensions between earthly desires and lofty aspirations to a "jar." A jar is a container
 typically used for storing or holding items, but in this context, it symbolizes the sense of
turmoil and disturbance caused by the perpetual struggle between conflicting desires
and goals. The word "perpetual"
suggests that this jar of conflicting emotions and motivations is ongoing and constant,
underscoring the persistent nature of the internal struggle experienced by individuals.

iii. What comes ‘from the influence of an unseen star’? What is this ‘unseen star’ a
reference to?
Ans. In the poem, the line "from the influence of an unseen star" suggests that the
perturbations or conflicts experienced by individuals arise from the influence of some
unseen or unknown force symbolized by a "star." This "unseen star" is likely a
metaphorical
reference to external factors or influences that shape human desires, aspirations, and
conflicts. It represents the mysterious and intangible forces that exert influence over
human behavior and motivations, guiding individuals in their pursuit of earthly wants and
higher aspirations.

vi. Why has the narrator referred to ‘an undiscovered planet in our sky’?
Ans. The narrator refers to "an undiscovered planet in our sky" as a metaphorical
representation of the unseen or unknown influences that shape human behavior and
motivations. This metaphor suggests that just as there may be planets in the sky that
have not yet been discovered or fully understood by humanity, there are also unseen
forces at work in the world that influence human desires, aspirations, and conflicts.

By invoking the image of an undiscovered planet, the narrator highlights the mysterious
and intangible nature of these influences, emphasizing their hidden or elusive qualities.
This
metaphor underscores the complexity of human existence and the idea that individuals are
shaped by forces that may not always be immediately apparent or understood.

vii. Explain briefly how this extract suggests the existence of supernatural element.
Ans. The extract suggests the existence of a supernatural element through the
metaphorical
language used to describe the source of human perturbations, or disturbances. The lines
imply that these perturbations, which arise from the conflicting desires and aspirations
within
individuals, stem from the influence of an "unseen star" and "an undiscovered planet in
our sky."

VI. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follow:
So from the world of spirits there
descends A bridge of light,
connecting it with this,
O'er whose unsteady floor, that sways and bends,
 Wander our thoughts above the dark abyss.

i. What connects the ‘bridge of light’? How is this bridge made?

Ans. The "bridge of light" mentioned in the poem serves as a metaphorical connection
between the world of spirits and the earthly realm. It symbolizes the link between the
unseen spiritual forces and the tangible, material world inhabited by human beings.

The bridge of light is described as being made from the influence of the spirit world,
descending from the world of spirits to connect with the earthly realm. The poem suggests
that this bridge is formed from the ethereal and intangible qualities of the spirit world,
which permeate through the earthly mists and vapors to create a vital breath of more
ethereal air.

ii. Whose floor is referred to as ‘unsteady’? Why?

Ans. The floor referred to as "unsteady" in the poem is metaphorical and represents the
boundary or interface between the world of spirits and the earthly realm. It symbolizes
the bridge of light that connects these two worlds.

The floor is described as "unsteady" to emphasize its fluid and dynamic nature. This
metaphor suggests that the bridge of light, which serves as the connection between the
spirit world and the earthly realm, is not fixed or stable but rather fluctuates and shifts
in response to the influences from both realms.

iii. What are the ‘thoughts’ that wander above the dark abyss?
Ans. The "thoughts" referred to in the poem are the mental reflections or perceptions of
individuals as they contemplate the mysteries and uncertainties of existence. These
thoughts symbolize the human capacity for introspection, imagination, and philosophical
inquiry.

In the context of the poem, the line "Wander our thoughts above the dark abyss"
suggests that individuals' thoughts are capable of transcending the limitations of the
material world and exploring the realms of mystery and uncertainty represented by the
"dark abyss." This metaphorical language evokes the idea of individuals grappling
with profound questions about life, death, and the nature of existence, as they
contemplate the unseen forces and
influences that shape their lives.

iv. What is the significance of this ‘bridge of light’?

Ans. The "bridge of light" holds significant symbolic meaning in the poem, serving as a
metaphorical representation of the connection between the spiritual realm and the material
world. Several aspects contribute to its significance:
Interconnection: The bridge of light symbolizes the interconnectedness of existence,
highlighting the idea that the spiritual and material dimensions are intertwined. It suggests
that there is a link between the unseen forces of the spirit world and the tangible
experiences of human beings, emphasizing the idea of a unified cosmic order.
Transcendence: The bridge of light represents the potential for transcendence beyond the
 confines of the material world. It suggests that individuals have the capacity to transcend
the limitations of physical reality and explore the realms of mystery and spirituality,
accessing higher truths and insights that transcend mundane existence.
Symbol of Hope: The bridge of light also serves as a symbol of hope and enlightenment,
offering a pathway for individuals to navigate the complexities of existence and find
meaning in the face of uncertainty. It represents the possibility of bridging the gap
between the known and the unknown, guiding individuals on a journey of spiritual growth
and self-discovery.

v. Give four reason to justify the poet’s view that all houses are haunted.
Ans. The poet's view that all houses are haunted can be justified by several reasons:
Residual Energy: Houses absorb the energy and emotions of the people who have lived
in them. Over time, these energies become imprinted on the walls, floors, and objects
within the house, creating a lingering sense of presence even after the individuals have
departed.
Memories and Imprints: Houses accumulate memories and imprints of the lives lived
within them. These memories can manifest as echoes of past events, feelings, and
interactions, imbuing the house with a sense of history and nostalgia that can be perceived
by sensitive individuals.
Spiritual Beliefs: In many cultures and belief systems, it is believed that spirits or souls
may linger in places where they have unfinished business or strong emotional
attachments. This belief in spiritual presence contributes to the perception that houses are
haunted by the ghosts or spirits of past occupants.
Psychological Association: Human psychology plays a role in perceiving houses as
haunted.
The anticipation of encountering ghosts or paranormal phenomena can heighten
one's sensitivity to subtle cues and stimuli within the house, leading to
experiences that are interpreted as haunting or supernatural.