description The Listeners Overview
Walter de la Mare’s “The Listeners” is a 1912 poem exploring themes of isolation and spectral presence. The narrative recounts a traveler's unsettling encounter with unseen figures within a moonlit room. Noted for its evocative atmosphere and unanswered questions, the poem remains a significant work in English literature. It appeals to readers interested in gothic poetry, psychological exploration, and stories centered around mystery and the supernatural.
help The Listeners FAQ
Who is the author of the supernatural poem "The Listeners"?
The poem was written by the English poet Walter de la Mare, who was highly celebrated for his eerie, psychological fiction and poetry. It remains his most widely anthologized and famous work. De la Mare published it in 1912 to massive critical acclaim.
What is the famous opening question asked by the Traveller in "The Listeners"?
As the Traveller knocks on the moonlit door, he famously calls out, "Is there anybody there?" This iconic opening line sets the tone for the entire poem. It immediately establishes the haunting sense of isolation and unanswered mystery that follows.
What exactly are the "listeners" that the Traveller encounters in the forest?
The listeners are described as a host of phantom, spectral beings that silently dwell within the empty, dark house. They hear the Traveller but refuse to respond or open the door to him. De la Mare never explains their identity, leaving them as a chilling manifestation of the supernatural.
What promise does the Traveller claim to have kept before riding away?
Before departing, the Traveller shouts into the silence that he has kept his word, despite no one seemingly being there to receive him. He leaves his mysterious message unspoken but declares his duty fulfilled. This deepens the intrigue, as the reader is never told what the original promise was or who sent him.
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