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These eerie lines set the tone for a haunting spooky season.

The beauty and unpredictability of March has inspired some of the most memorable lines in literature.
Logan DeLoye|
If you’ve ever talked about “the birds and the bees” or referenced “the best laid plans of mice and men,” then you’ve inadvertently quoted some of the English language’s most famous poets.
Paul Anthony Jones|
Discover which literary genres captivate each state and Washington D.C.
CaLea Johnson|
Where did this curious expression come from, and what’s so right about rain, anyway?
Marla Mackoul|
On New Year’s Eve, after the ball has dropped, revelers queue up “Auld Lang Syne”—that song that makes you cry, even though you don’t understand it and know almost none of the words.
Caitlin Schneider|
Clement Clarke Moore is widely believed to be the author of “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” But the Livingston family of New York begs to differ.
Stacy Conradt|
“Once upon a midnight dreary” begins “The Raven,” setting the mood for one of the most recognizable poems written in English.
Joy Lanzendorfer|
Celebrate the many contributions to literature that LGBTQ+ authors have made with these great reads by Danez Smith, Dorothy Allison, Alexander Chee, Alice Walker, and more.
Hugh Ryan|
The poem “The Rainbow Bridge” has long comforted animal lovers who are mourning a pet. But for decades, its author remained a mystery.
Lorna Wallace|
These memorable quotes from LGBTQ+ leaders—on everything from intersectionality to being an ally—will ring true all year round.
Nicolas Rivero|
‘Having an albatross around your neck’ means “facing an inescapable burden.” As for where the phrase originated, you can thank classic literature.
Michele Debczak|
Discover the controversial conspiracy theories that challenge Shakespeare’s authorship, from the Baconian Theory to the Alien Theory and beyond.
Lorna Wallace|
The origins of Ireland's ‘Emerald Isle’ nickname trace back to the 18th-century physician, poet, and activist who penned the poem “When Erin First Rose.”
Jane Alexander|
Robert Burns was voted the greatest Scot over iconic warrior William Wallace in a 2009 poll.
Lorna Wallace|
Burns Night isn't the only thing named after Robert Burns. Streets, towns, and monuments throughout the world were christened in his honor.
Indi Bains|
This all-new translation of the Homer epic is six years in the making.
Marla Mackoul|
Though their contributions were immense, many aren’t well-known outside of their nations’ borders.
Damaly Gonzalez|
The late, great American writer Henry Charles Bukowski, Jr. was once called the “human embodiment of a raised middle finger”—an analogy that Bukowski would probably have welcomed, or possibly even written about himself. Here's what you should know.
Ali Parr|
The lives, hobbies, and eccentricities of some of the world’s greatest poets made them much more than titans of the turn of phrase.
Kristy Puchko|
Phillis Wheatley was the American colonies’ first Black poet and second woman to publish a book of poems. Here are more facts about her.
Karin Crompton|

More From the Literature Section

Readers couldn’t get enough of the novel, but critics had a lot to say about its flaws.
Paul Anthony Jones|
Think you know all of John Steinbeck's books? Let's put that to the test with the latest quiz.
Alexandria Ingham|
Some of Ray Bradbury's best-known works, including 'Something Wicked This Way Comes,' were inspired by a man named Mr. Electrico who said he recognized him from a past life, and told him to "live forever."
Eden Gordon|
John Steinbeck considered 'East of Eden' his definitive masterpiece. Pencil-written journal entries reveal why this personal epic was the "only book" he felt he ever wrote.
Matt Hoffman|
The horror writer has been spooked by a few of his own stories, as well as some surprisingly common fears.
Logan DeLoye|
John Steinbeck's interpretation of the Hebrew word originally spelled 'timshol' has moved countless readers—and has also sparked debate among scholars.
Eden Gordon|
Do remember your favorite book to read as a child?
Jenny Cohen|
Each morning before working on the book 'East of Eden,' John Steinbeck set down to write a letter.
Eden Gordon|
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