“The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

Introduction: “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

“The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde first published in 1887 in The Court and Society Review, is a humorous short story. It tells the tale of an American family who move into a haunted English mansion, Canterville Chase, and their encounters with the resident ghost. The story blends humor and supernatural elements, making it one of Wilde’s most popular works. Adapted into various stage plays, films, and television shows, “The Canterville Ghost” remains a beloved classic in the genre of ghost stories.

Main Events in “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

1. The American Otis family, pragmatic and materialistic, purchases Canterville Chase despite Lord Canterville’s warnings about its resident ghost.
2. Sir Simon, the Canterville Ghost, takes pride in his centuries-long career of haunting, but his attempts to frighten the Otis family with rattling chains, bloodstains, and eerie moans are met with laughter and even offers of cleaning products.
3. The Otis family’s indifference and mockery undermine Sir Simon’s sense of importance as a ghost, leaving him frustrated and humiliated.
4. Virginia Otis, the sensitive daughter, develops a connection with the ghost, recognizing the sadness and despair beneath his frightening facade.
5. Sir Simon confides in Virginia, revealing the tragic murder of his wife, Eleanore, and the curse that binds his spirit to the house.
6. Virginia learns of an ancient prophecy, stating that if a young girl shows compassion and weeps for his sins, the Canterville Ghost will find peace.
7. Virginia, with bravery and kindness, enters a hidden realm with Sir Simon to confront the prophecy and break the curse.
8. Sir Simon’s soul is released, and he finally finds eternal rest. The act of forgiveness transforms the house as well.
9. The Otis family’s experiences with the ghost leave a lasting impression, challenging their previous focus on materialism.
10. Virginia and the young Duke of Cheshire, who had been enamored with her since their first meeting, develop a deep bond.
11. Years later, Virginia and the Duke marry, and she shares the secret of Sir Simon’s redemption with her husband.
12. Virginia chooses to honor Sir Simon’s memory and keep his experience private, demonstrating her respect and maturity.
13. Overall, “The Canterville Ghost” is a humorous and poignant commentary on the clash between modernity and tradition, as well as a reflection on the human desire for redemption and forgiveness.

Literary Devices in “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

1. Allusion: A reference to a well-known person, event, or place in history or literature.
   • Example: Sir Simon Canterville’s former position as “a member of the House of Commons” is a clear allusion to the British Parliament.
2. Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist or main character.
   • Example: Sir Simon Canterville functions as the main antagonist, attempting to intimidate and frighten the Otis family.
3. Characterization: The process by which an author reveals a character’s personality, values, and motivations.
   • Example: Wilde’s characterization highlights cultural differences: he contrasts the American practicality of the Otis family with Sir Simon’s embodiment of British tradition.
4. Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces or ideas in a story.
   • Example: The central conflict pits the modern and the traditional against each other, represented by the American Otis family and the spectral Sir Simon.
5. Foreshadowing: A hint or clue about future events in a story.
   • Example: Sir Simon’s persistent bloodstain foreshadows his violent past and the later revelation of his tragic history.
6. Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
   • Example: Wilde employs hyperbole to humorously illustrate the ineffectiveness of Sir Simon’s haunting techniques in the face of the Otis family’s modern practicality (i.e., lubricating his chains).
7. Imagery: The use of vivid and descriptive language to create sensory experiences for the reader.
   • Example: Wilde’s imagery brings Canterville Chase to life with details like “the old moat” and “the rusty weathercock”.
8. Irony: A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.
   • Example: The story is brimming with irony; the Otis family’s lack of fear towards a centuries-old ghost subverts classic horror tropes.
9. Metaphor: A comparison between two unlike things without using the words “like” or “as”.
   • Example: Wilde’s metaphorical descriptions of Sir Simon’s ghostly form (“skeleton”, “wraith”) contribute to the story’s atmosphere
10. Personification: Giving human qualities or characteristics to non-human things or animals.
    • Example: The personification of Sir Simon’s ghost is evident in descriptions like “writhing in a mist of green vapour.”
11. Satire: A literary work that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or expose human vices or follies.
    • Example: “The Canterville Ghost” satirizes American and British cultures, as well as the conventions of the traditional ghost story.
12. Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using the words “like” or “as”.
    • Example: Wilde compares the Otis twins to “two most determined champions of civilisation” through a simile.
13. Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
    • Example: The “bloodstain” symbolizes both Sir Simon’s past violence and his trapped spirit, yearning for redemption.
14. Tone: The author’s attitude towards the subject matter or the reader.
    • Example: Wilde employs a humorous and ironic tone in “The Canterville Ghost,” gently mocking traditional superstitions and beliefs.
15. Verbal irony: A contrast between what is said and what is meant.
    • Example: Mrs. Otis’s remarked that  ghost has fled after encountering Sir Simon, is a prime example of verbal irony.

Characterization in “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

Character	Description	Thematic Significance
Sir Simon Canterville	A centuries-old ghost bound by a tragic past and the conventions of the traditional ghost story. Once a figure of terror, he is ultimately revealed as vulnerable and remorseful. While he initially adheres to the expectations of his role as a fearsome specter, his pride dissolves when he is no longer intimidating.	Embodies the conflict between tradition and societal expectations. His eventual breaking of the cycle symbolizes the potential for overcoming past burdens.
Virginia Otis	A compassionate young woman marked by sensitivity and a profound understanding of suffering that belies her youth. She transcends fear and sees beyond Sir Simon’s frightening persona, recognizing the imprisoned soul within.	Represents a new generation unburdened by old superstitions, driven by empathy and the transformative power of forgiveness.
Mr. Hiram B. Otis	A pragmatic patriarch whose unwavering faith in materialism and modern solutions represents American practicality. His dismissal of the supernatural underscores the confidence and optimism of the New World.	Symbolizes the clash between practicality and tradition, emphasizing the cultural conflict at the heart of the story.
Mrs. Lucretia Tappan Otis	A no-nonsense matriarch driven by practicality. Her attempts to erase the bloodstain highlight a literal interpretation of the haunting that rejects any symbolic power or historical meaning.	Reinforces the American dismissal of history and a relentless focus on quantifiable problems with quantifiable solutions.
Washington Otis	A resourceful young man who takes a mischievous approach to undermining the ghost with playful subversion. His pragmatism is less dismissive than his father’s; he still seeks to solve the problem of the ghost.	Represents youthful adaptation, utilizing modern ideas and humor to deflate the supernatural and challenge traditional power structures.
The Otis Twins	Mischievous, relentless forces of chaos whose torment of the ghost symbolizes youthful disregard for tradition.	Embody the spirit of a new generation, unbound by the past, and the erosion of traditional authority figures.
Lord Canterville	A nobleman bound by tradition and a sense of duty, he functions as a foil for the Otis family. His belief in the supernatural and respect for history emphasize the old-world perspective.	Illustrates the ideological divide between British tradition and American practicality.
Mrs. Umney	The loyal housekeeper haunted by her knowledge of Sir Simon’s past. Her fear hints at the truth beneath the ghost’s facade and the possibility of hidden depths.	Represents the lingering weight of tradition and past events, her awareness suggesting the potential for redemption.

Major Themes in “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

1. Modernity vs. Tradition: This central clash is embodied by the American Otis family’s practicality and materialism against the specter of Sir Simon Canterville, who represents tradition and the supernatural. This is exemplified by the contrasting approaches to the bloodstain: Mrs. Otis’s focus on removing it with Pinkerton’s Stain Remover, versus its centuries-old role as a symbol of Sir Simon’s guilt.
2. The Power of Redemption: Sir Simon’s transformation from a terrifying figure to a pitiable one reveals the possibility of redemption. His murder of his wife, Eleanore, burdens his soul. Through Virginia’s compassion and her fulfillment of the prophecy, his spirit can finally find rest.
3. The Importance of Empathy and Compassion: Virginia’s ability to look beyond Sir Simon’s frightening facade and see his suffering highlights the power of empathy. Her kindness is the key to breaking his curse, demonstrating that compassion can transform even the most hardened of hearts.
4. The Transience of Life: Time is a recurring motif, with Sir Simon’s centuries of haunting juxtaposed with Virginia’s poignant reminder that “Life is brief, and time is a thief.” This theme emphasizes the importance of living fully and recognizing the preciousness of each moment.
5. The Illusion of Fear: Wilde masterfully subverts traditional horror tropes. Sir Simon’s attempts to instill fear in the Otis family prove comically ineffective, revealing how fear can distort reality. The story encourages readers to question their assumptions and confront the often-illusory nature of their anxieties.

Writing Style in “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

• Humor and Satire: Wilde infuses the story with his trademark wit. He satirizes both American and British cultures, as well as conventions of the traditional ghost story. For example, the Otis family’s modern solutions to spectral issues (lubricating chains with Tammany Rising Sun Lubricator) subvert expectations and mock superstitious beliefs.
• Literary Techniques: Wilde masterfully employs various literary devices to create his distinctive style:
  • Irony: The core irony of the story lies in the ghost being more frightened of the family than vice versa. This challenges traditional horror tropes.
  • Paradox: Wilde combines seemingly contradictory elements, like a comedic ghost story. This approach highlights societal absurdities and entertains the reader.
  • Hyperbole: Exaggerating the ghost’s failures and the family’s indifference creates a humorous tone, as in Sir Simon’s elaborate haunting attempts being thwarted by modern practicality.
• Dialogue: Wilde leverages dialogue to reveal character dynamics and inner thoughts. The Otis family’s dismissive remarks about the ghost (“I really don’t think there are any ghosts in Europe”) expose their pragmatic worldview, contrasting with Sir Simon’s lament, “They have starved me to death.”.
• Vivid Imagery: Wilde paints a detailed picture of the setting and characters with evocative imagery. Canterville Chase is described with elements like the “rusty weathercock” and the “old moat,” adding both atmosphere and grounding the story in a tangible world.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

1. Marxist Criticism: Marxist critics could interpret the story as a critique of the class system and the materialism of the upper class. The Otis family, representing a new American capitalist model, is portrayed as practical and focused on solutions. In contrast, Sir Simon Canterville, an aristocratic figure, embodies a fading social order and outdated traditions. Their clashes underscore changing economic structures and their accompanying ideologies.
2. Psychoanalytic Criticism: Psychoanalytic critics might view the story as an exploration of the unconscious mind. Sir Simon Canterville’s haunting could be analyzed as a manifestation of repressed guilt over the murder of his wife, Eleanore. Virginia’s interactions with him might be interpreted as symbolizing a psychological journey towards confronting trauma and facilitating healing.
3. Feminist Criticism: Feminist critics might examine the story’s portrayal of gender roles and patriarchy. Virginia’s role as a compassionate figure facilitating Sir Simon’s redemption could be seen as potentially reinforcing traditional female stereotypes. However, her agency in fulfilling the prophecy offers a counterpoint for analysis. Her marriage to the Duke of Cheshire could be viewed as either reaffirming patriarchal power structures or offering a nuanced commentary on social expectations.
4. Reader-Response Criticism: Reader-response critics would focus on how individuals interpret the story’s themes, with potential variations based on their own experiences and backgrounds. The story’s use of humor and satire might resonate differently depending on a reader’s understanding of tradition, cultural clashes, and evolving social norms.
5. Postcolonial Criticism: Postcolonial critics might analyze the story as a commentary on British imperialism and its legacy. The Otis family’s disregard for Sir Simon’s history and traditions could be interpreted as a power reversal, with the American family (former colony) challenging the British figure (former colonizer). This approach offers a lens to examine how the story engages with imbalances resulting from colonialism.

Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

1. Question: How does Wilde employ humor and satire to critique societal norms of his time?

• Thesis Statement: Oscar Wilde’s “The Canterville Ghost” uses humor and satire to expose the absurdity of Victorian social expectations, particularly those surrounding class, tradition, and the supernatural.

2. Question: In what ways does Virginia Otis embody both traditional female stereotypes and a potential subversion of those expectations?

• Thesis Statement: Virginia Otis initially appears to conform to the trope of the angelic Victorian woman, but her empathy, bravery, and role in breaking the curse offer a more nuanced portrayal challenging the era’s limited gender roles.

3. Question: How does the clash between American practicality and British tradition in “The Canterville Ghost” reflect larger cultural shifts of the time?

• Thesis Statement: The conflict between the Otis family and Sir Simon Canterville humorously embodies the tension between rising American economic might and the fading British aristocracy, signaling changing global power dynamics in the late 19th century.

4. Question: To what extent can Sir Simon’s haunting be interpreted through a psychoanalytic lens, and what might this reveal about Wilde’s understanding of trauma and repression?

• Thesis Statement: A psychoanalytic reading of “The Canterville Ghost” reveals Sir Simon’s haunting as a manifestation of unresolved guilt and repressed trauma; this suggests Wilde’s awareness of the complex workings of the subconscious mind.

5. Question: How might a postcolonial reading of “The Canterville Ghost” complicate the story’s seemingly lighthearted humor and expose deeper themes?

• Thesis Statement: While comedic on the surface, a postcolonial reading of “The Canterville Ghost” uncovers subtexts of power imbalance and colonial legacy, particularly in the Otis family’s dismissal of British tradition and Sir Simon’s ghostly authority.

Short Question-Answer “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

1. Question: How does Wilde use irony to create humor in the story?

Answer: Wilde skillfully employs situational irony throughout “The Canterville Ghost.” The core irony is that the centuries-old ghost of Sir Simon is utterly ineffective at terrifying the practical American Otis family. Their dismissive reactions to his haunting attempts and focus on modern solutions (like lubricating his chains) completely subvert the expectations of a traditional horror story, creating a comedic effect.

2. Question: What is the significance of the bloodstain in the story?

Answer: The persistent bloodstain in Canterville Chase serves as a potent symbol of Sir Simon’s guilt over murdering his wife, Eleanore. It’s a constant reminder of his past crime and the reason for his haunting. However, the stain also signifies a potential for redemption, as the prophecy states that its removal by a virtuous young girl will break the curse.

3. Question: Why is Virginia the only one who can help Sir Simon?

Answer: Virginia’s compassion and empathy set her apart from the rest of her family. She possesses a sensitivity that allows her to see beyond Sir Simon’s frightening facade and recognize his suffering. Her willingness to understand his pain and fulfill the prophecy is what ultimately allows him to find peace and break free from his curse.

4. Question: Does the story have a happy ending?

Answer: “The Canterville Ghost” has a bittersweet, but ultimately hopeful ending. Sir Simon finds release from his centuries of haunting, offering a sense of closure and peace. Virginia’s marriage to the Duke of Cheshire suggests a happy future for her. Yet, there’s also a touch of melancholy as the ghost’s presence – however disruptive – is what gave Canterville Chase its unique character.

Suggested Readings: “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde

Scholarly Works

• Ellmann, Richard. Oscar Wilde. New York: Vintage Books, 1988. Print.
• Mason, Stuart. Bibliography of the Works of Oscar Wilde. London: Haskell House Publishers, 1972. Print.
• Nassaar, Christopher S. “The Canterville Ghost as a Gothic Parody.” Short Story Criticism, edited by Jelena Krstovic, vol. 109, Gale, 2009. Literature Resource Center.
• Raby, Peter, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde. Cambridge University Press, 1997. Print.

Primary Text

• Wilde, Oscar. “The Canterville Ghost.” The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/files/14753/14753-h/14753-h.html