The quote from Eleanor Farjean's poem Hallowe'en represents the themes of memory, legacy, and confrontation with the past that permeate Chapter 8. This chapter deals with the resurfacing of old identities and unresolved tensions as former heroes are forced to confront the legacies and "ghosts" of their past.
Halloween, traditionally a time when the barrier between the living and the dead is thin, serves as an apt metaphor for the way memories, past traumas, and old conflicts come back to haunt the characters. The "old ghosts" symbolize both literal memories and the weight of past actions that linger, influencing and intruding upon the present. This chapter sees a resurgence of masked vigilantism, with characters like Dan Dreiberg (Nite Owl) and Laurie Juspeczyk (Silk Spectre) grappling with their heroic identities and legacies. For Dan and Laurie, the "ghosts" of their past lives as superheroes "speak" to them; they feel a pull to once again don their costumes and fight for justice, despite society's rejection of their former roles. This rekindling of their purpose is seen during their prison break mission to rescue Rorschach, demonstrating how their old identities continue to influence and define who they are.
Meanwhile, for others, these "old ghosts" are "dumb" - silent and unable to connect. This aspect is especially poignant for characters like Sally Jupiter, the original Silk Spectre, who has largely resigned herself to living with the memories and consequences of her past. In contrast, characters like the Comedian's ghost (through memory) haunt other figures in the story, such as Laurie, who continues to wrestle with her complex feelings about her father's legacy.
Chapter 8 also brings with it a clash between past and present ideologies. The attempted breakout at the prison and the tension between the remaining heroes underscore the idea that the past never truly dies; it either continues to speak loudly through actions and unresolved histories, or it remains as a silent burden carried by those unable or unwilling to face it.
In essence, Farjean's quote encapsulates how different characters in *Watchmen* are haunted by, respond to, or choose to ignore their pasts. The "old ghosts" that speak to some and remain silent to others reflect the varying degrees to which people grapple with their history, identities, and legacies. It illustrates the stark contrast between those who feel called to act upon the memories of their past and those who are either unable to confront them or choose to let them remain buried. This haunting echo of past deeds, beliefs, and traumas defines much of the character development and conflict in this chapter, making the quote an apt and thought-provoking thematic summary.