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The Canterville Ghost in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Mr. Hiram B. Otis
Mrs. Lucretia Otis
Virginia Otis
The Canterville Ghost
Lord Canterville
The Canterville Ghost
The Ghosts Failed Attempts
The Ghosts Defeat
The Ghosts Redemption
The Canterville Ghosts Departure
The Otis Familys Transformation
The Ghosts Legacy
The Lesson Learned
The Power of Forgiveness
The End of a Haunting Tale
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde
- When: Written in the Victorian era
- Who: The main characters are Sir Simon Canterville, Virginia Otis, and Mr. Otis
- Theme: The core theme of the work is the contrast between American practicality and British tradition, as well as the nature of forgiveness and redemption.
List of Characters in The Canterville Ghost
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Sir Simon de Canterville
Sir Simon de Canterville is the Canterville Ghost, a tragic figure condemned to haunt the Canterville Chase for centuries.
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Virginia Otis
Virginia Otis is the kind-hearted daughter of the American family who moves into Canterville Chase and shows compassion towards the ghost.
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Mrs. Umney
Mrs. Umney is the housekeeper at Canterville Chase who is initially terrified of the ghost but eventually helps him find peace.
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Lord Canterville
Lord Canterville is the patriarch of the Canterville family who is determined to maintain the family's reputation despite the presence of the ghost.
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Duke of Cheshire
Duke of Cheshire is a guest at Canterville Chase who is skeptical of the ghost's existence but is eventually convinced of its reality.
Timeline of The Canterville Ghost
The Otis family moves into Canterville Chase.
Mr. Otis ignores the warnings about the ghost from Lord Canterville.
The ghost tries to scare Mr. Otis by appearing as a ghostly apparition, but Mr. Otis confronts him and offers him lubricant for his chains.
The ghost fails to scare Mrs. Otis and the twins, who play pranks on him instead.
Virginia, the Otis' daughter, encounters the ghost and learns about his tragic past.
The ghost asks Virginia to help him find peace by praying for him and helping him cross over.
Virginia agrees to help the ghost.
Virginia goes missing, and the family searches for her.
The ghost is found in the garden, dead, with a mysterious smile on his face.
Virginia returns and reveals that she helped the ghost find peace, and he has moved on.
The Otis family leaves Canterville Chase, leaving behind a grateful ghost.
Vocabulary List
- Specter
- The Canterville Ghost is a specter that haunts the old mansion.
- Haunt
- The ghost continues to haunt the family that lives in the mansion.
- Apparition
- The appearance of the ghost is a frightening apparition.
- Phantom
- Some believe the ghost is just a phantom, not a real spirit.
- Supernatural
- The ghost's abilities are beyond the natural world, making it a supernatural being.
- Ethereal
- The ghost's presence in the mansion is described as ethereal and otherworldly.
- Poltergeist
- Some think the ghost may be a poltergeist, causing chaos and mischief in the house.
- Spirit
- The ghost is believed to be the spirit of someone who died in the mansion.
- Eerie
- The atmosphere in the mansion is eerie and unsettling due to the ghost's presence.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- - The Canterville Ghost is a short story written by Oscar Wilde.
- - The story was first published in 1887.
- - It tells the tale of an American family who moves into a haunted mansion in England.
- - The ghost, Sir Simon de Canterville, has been haunting the mansion for over three centuries.
- - The Otis family, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Otis and their four children, are skeptical about the ghost's existence.
- - The ghost tries to scare the family multiple times, but they always respond with humor and practicality.
- - Virginia, the eldest daughter, becomes curious about the ghost and eventually befriends him.
- - Sir Simon confesses to Virginia that he is trapped in the mansion until he can find someone to release him from his curse.
- - Virginia agrees to help him, and they discover a hidden room containing his remains.
- - Virginia prays for Sir Simon's soul, and he is finally able to find peace and move on.
- - The ghost's disappearance brings sadness to the mansion, and the Otis family decides to leave.
- - The story combines elements of comedy, satire, and the supernatural.
- - It explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of love.
- - The Canterville Ghost is known for its witty dialogue and humorous situations.
- - The story has been adapted into various stage plays, films, and even an opera.
- - It is one of Oscar Wilde's most popular works and is considered a classic in the genre of ghost stories.
- - The character of Sir Simon de Canterville is seen as a sympathetic figure despite his ghostly nature.
- - The story satirizes both American and British cultures, highlighting their differences.
- - The Otis family represents American practicality and skepticism, contrasting with the traditional British belief in ghosts.
- - The Canterville Ghost continues to be enjoyed by readers of all ages around the world.
Analysis & Significance
Impact on Literature
‘The Canterville Ghost’ by Oscar Wilde has had a significant impact on literature by blending elements of comedy and horror in a unique way. This fusion of genres has inspired countless authors to experiment with tone and style in their own works, leading to a new wave of genre-bending storytelling in the literary world.
Enduring Themes
The timeless themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of love in ‘The Canterville Ghost’ still resonate with modern audiences today. Wilde’s exploration of these universal topics continues to captivate readers and remind them of the importance of compassion and understanding in a world filled with misunderstandings and prejudices.
Cultural Significance Today
‘The Canterville Ghost’ remains a beloved literary classic that has been adapted into numerous stage plays, films, and television shows. Its enduring popularity speaks to its cultural significance and the lasting impact of Wilde’s witty and satirical take on the ghost story genre. The work’s legacy lives on through its continued adaptations and influence on popular culture.
The Canterville Ghost Games
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