THE CANTERVILLE GHOST Chapter 1 & 2 Summary

INTRODUCTION:Author Oscar Fingal OFlahertie Wills Wilde (October 16, 1854 November 30, 1900) Victorian eras playwright (nine plays, one novel). Born in Dublin, Ireland. CHAPTER I Mr. Hiram B. Otis the American Minister Centervilles Grandaunt Dowager Duchess of Bolton skeletons on shoulder, dressing for dinner Also seen by rector of parish Rev. Augustus Damier, Fellow of kings collage, Cambridge. Since 1584 Mrs. Otis- Miss Lucretia R. Tappan, of west 53 street.- celebrated New York Belle (fine eyes , superb profile) loved her country. Eldest son Washington diplomat by German at new port casino. Weakness Gardenias (a tree with white and yellow flowers) and peerage (title or rank of peer) Virginia E Otis a little girl of 15 , proposed by duke of Cheshire after winning race against lord Bilton (sent back to Eton) (Achilles statue) After her twins star and stripes Chase 7 miles from Ascot (rail. St.) Mrs. Umney House keeper Blood stain of Lady Eleanor de Centerville killed by Simon (disappeared after 9 yrs.) Pinkertons Champion Stain Remover and Paragon Detergent (Washington Otis did this) CHAPTER II Mrs. Otis intention to join psychical society. Washington prepared a long letter to Messrs. The family went out to a drive returned at 9. Simon threw bottle and went (emitting green light) a door opened, twins appeared, threw a pillow, he vanished Four housemaids grinned through curtains

Rector of parch blew candle off when coming out of the library, now under care of sir William gull (perfect martyr of nervous disorders) Old lady de Tremouillac a skeleton reading her diary on armchair in morning (fever for 6 weeks, reconciled to church broken off her connection with atheist monsieur de Voltaire. Lord Canterville found choking in dressing room confessed Charles James fox $50,000 Butler shot himself found hand tapping in window. Lady Shutfield wore black velvet to hide finger marks Discussion Immense superiority of Mrs. Fanny, davenport over Sarah Bernhart as an actress, difficulty of obtaining green corns, buck wheat cakes and hominy even in best English houses, importance of Boston in development of world soul, advantage of baggage check system at railway travelling , new York accent as compared to London drawl. xxxxxxxxxxxx