Lecture Notes: Haunted Houses Poem by H. W. Longfellow

Introduction to the Series

• Series of English lessons for ICC students.
• Focus on listening and understanding English.
• Today's topic: "Haunted Houses" poem from the workbook by Beta Publications.

Poem Overview

• Main Message: Loved ones remain with us even after passing away, sharing our living spaces and observing us from a distance.

Stanza-by-Stanza Breakdown

Stanza 1

• Key Terms:
  • Phantoms: Ghosts or spirits of dead people.
  • Errands: Duties.
  • Glide: Move smoothly without noise.
• Description: Spirits are harmless, observe without disturbing, busy in their own lives, move purposefully without making noise.

Stanza 2

• Key Term:
  • Impalpable: Cannot be felt by touch.
• Description: Spirits move in the house, appear at doorways and passages, present as untouchable air impressions.

Stanza 3

• Description:
  • More guests at the table than invited due to ghostly presence.
  • Ghosts are quiet, as inoffensive as pictures on the wall.

Stanza 4

• Description:
  • Speaker perceives ghosts unlike the guest.
  • Speaker sees past and present; guest only sees current events.

Stanza 5

• Key Term:
  • Mortain: Permanent ownership of land or estate.
• Description:
  • No permanent ownership of land due to previous occupants (spirits) returning.

Stanza 6

• Key Term:
  • Wafts: Passes gently through air.
• Description:
  • Spirit world is like an atmosphere around us, a delicate breath connecting worlds.

Stanza 7

• Description:
  • Human life balanced by base and noble instincts.
  • Base instinct: Enjoyment.
  • Noble instinct: Inspirational or spiritual goals.

Stanza 8

• Key Terms:
  • Perturbations: Disturbances.
  • Perpetual: Enduring forever.
• Description:
  • Disturbances and desires influenced by unseen forces from another world.

Stanza 9

• Description:
  • Moonlight forms a bridge connecting human and spirit worlds.
  • Human imagination can bridge the gap into the unknown.

Stanza 10

• Description:
  • Bridge of light connects spirit and human worlds.
  • Memories of loved ones prevent them from disappearing into an abyss.

Conclusion

• Poem ends on a reassuring note about the connection through memories.
• Additional materials: Story summary, poetic devices, critical remarks, and questions provided in the video description.
• Upcoming: Live study session from 6-7 PM with a focus on self-study activities.

Additional Notes

• Comment section open for questions or suggestions.
• Encourage viewer engagement and participation in upcoming lessons.