In "Look Homeward, Angel," Thomas Wolfe explores themes of loss and longing through the character's yearning for what is absent. The quote "O lost, And by the wind grieved, Ghost, Come back again" encapsulates the deep sense of nostalgia and the haunting nature of memories that permeate the narrative. The speaker calls out to the past, reflecting a desire to reclaim what has been lost.

This plea speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with grief and the passage of time. Wolfe's evocative language highlights the emotional turmoil that accompanies the memory of lost loved ones and moments, suggesting that while the past cannot be changed, the yearning for connection remains a poignant part of life.