Short Answer 
The poem ‘Antigonish’ by Hughes Mearns reflects on feelings of unease and superstition, illustrating the unsettling experience of sensing an unseen presence. It explores the paradox of imaginary fears becoming overwhelming realities, capturing the speaker’s desire to escape from haunting thoughts and restore normalcy.
Step 1: Understanding the Poem’s Background
The poem ‘Antigonish’, also referred to as ‘The Little Man Who Wasn’t There’, was written by Hughes Mearns. Its title is inspired by the city of Antigonish in Nova Scotia, Canada, where the author first heard a story that sparked his creativity. The poem conveys a sentiment of unease and the idea of an unseen presence lingering around us.
Step 2: Themes and Feelings Portrayed
This poem encapsulates the feeling of superstition‚ÄöAithe sensation of sensing someone’s presence even when they are not actually there. It speaks to our innate fears and the unsettling emotions that emerge during moments of solitude. The lines, “Yesterday, upon the stair, I met a man who wasn’t there!” highlight the paradox of the imaginary becoming disturbingly real for the speaker.
Step 3: Analyzing the Poetic Impact
The impact of ‘Antigonish’ lies in its representation of how the mind can dwell on the unreal, creating thoughts that become overwhelming. The poem illustrates our struggle with fear and a longing for normalcy when haunted by thoughts of the unknown. The recurring plea, “Oh how I wish he’d go away!” emphasizes the desire to escape from these haunting thoughts.