Canterville Ghost free essay sample

The Canterville Ghost -by Oscar Wilde The Canterville Ghost is a ghost story with a difference. It takes place in an English country house, Canterville Chase, which for centuries has been said to be haunted. When rich American called Mr. Otis moves into the house with his wife and four children, Lord Canterville feels he should warn them about Sir Simon, the resident ghost. However, the Otis families aren’t afraid of ghosts and no matter how hard Sir Simon tries, they simply refuse to be frightened!For anyone thinking this book is not for you because you’re scared of ghost stories, I can promise you that it’s really not scary at all – I would describe it as more of a comedy and a clever satire in disguise. Wilde juxtaposes an atmospheric gothic setting, the typical British ‘haunted house’, with a practical American family who have an amusing way of reacting to the appearance of Sir Simon. We will write a custom essay sample on Canterville Ghost or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The plot is hilarous, but the ending is quiet sentimental. It is mostly based on the ghost’s funny but vain attempts to remove the family that his moved in ‘his’ house which leads to funny reprisals. ow who stays in the house depends on who will give in first. If you are still suspicious, here is an extract from the story to remove all doubts. â€Å"Right in front of him he saw, in the wan moonlight, an old man of terrible aspect. His eyes were as red burning coals; long Grey hair fell over his shoulders in matted coils; his garments, which were of antique cut, were soiled and ragged, and from his wrists and ankles hung heavy manacles and rusty gyves. â€Å"My dear sir,† said Mr.Otis, â€Å"I really must insist on your oiling those chains, and have brought you for that purpose a small bottle of the Tammany Rising Sun Lubricator. †Ã¢â‚¬  This story has its own share of gags and suspense, well mostly gags. the part I personally liked the most is the ghosts vain attempts of revenging his humiliation by the Otis family, due its creativity and highly imaginative way of writing. i personally liked the ghost the most,maily due to hilarious, stand up comedy sessions. he is the one character that introduces almost all of the comedy in the story. Wilde is clearly having fun creating British and American stereotypes and using them to explore cultural differences, though he does it in a witty and inoffensive way. Another thing I liked is that some of the story is told from the ghost’s perspective, so that our sympathy is with him rather than the Otis family. Although the ending is a bit too sweet and sentimental, I really enjoyed this unusual little book! Its funny, imaginative way of writing is sure to keep you entertained. This book is highly recommendable for everyone!