Ghosts, Eidolons, Spirits, and Ghouls in Nineteenth Century American Poetry
​The four undead I have chosen to study are all liminal beings. They often are forms that the dead take anew. In nineteenth century American poetry, they all appear in similar contexts. Several poems do not distinguish between or name the specific undead. I have thus chosen to study them together. However, as I read poetry of the undead, I began to recognize the very evident differences between these four forms. My project will attempt to distinguish what makes each form unique, and how they operate within a societal framework.
About
To navigate my project, you have several options. Select "Poems" and view a list of all poems. You can search for one type of undead by clicking on its appropriate tag in the bottom right corner. Alternatively, you can click on the appropriate page for an OED definition of the chosen undead, an analysis of its representations in nineteenth century American poetry, and a list of poems about the chosen undead with links.