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The Canterville Ghost Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of The Canterville Ghost


This is a humorous story centred around The Canterville Ghost failing to terrorize the Otis family who has just moved in. Mr. Otis and his wealthy family move in to the Canterville House, despite the warnings from a friend saying it is haunted. Upon inspection, odd things continue to happen, such as a blood stain that reappears day after day, or spotting of the ghost. As the story continues, we not only see this relationship between the family and the ghost from the family's perspective, but also from the ghost's perspective. It becomes humorous as we see he becomes flustered when he is unable to continue scaring the family, or runs out of tools to complete his 'haunts'. Virginia, the daughter of the family, finally confronts the ghost. She gets angry at him for his using her tools to continue his pranks, however, she begins to feel for him. He explains that the only way he can stop being a ghost is by a girl experiencing regret for him and praying, as well, for his soul. She does this and goes on to marry a noble man. The ghost is peacefully laid to rest.
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Best part of story, including ending: It is a good example of Wilde's mix of beautiful imagery, humour, and social commentary.

Best scene in story: My favourite scene is the one where Virginia scolds the ghost because of the absurdity of a young girl scaring what is normally seen as a very frightening 'villain'.

Opinion about the main character: What I liked most about the Canterville Ghost was his fish-out-of-water experiences. Not being able to scare the residing family like he should.

The review of this Book prepared by Alexander Southey a Level 1 Blue Jay scholar

Chapter Analysis of The Canterville Ghost

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Plot & Themes

Tone of book?    -   humorous Time/era of story    -   1600-1899 Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book Religion theme?    -   Yes Religion theme:    -   ghost buddy

Main Character

Gender    -   Male Profession/status:    -   wealthy Age:    -   40's-50's

Setting

How much descriptions of surroundings?    -   2 () Europe    -   Yes European country:    -   England/UK Misc setting    -   fancy mansion

Writing Style

Weird Victorian/Shakespearean English?    -   Yes Amount of dialog    -   roughly even amounts of descript and dialog

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Oscar Wilde Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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