The Canterville Ghost

CHAPTER-1
A New Home for the Otis Family
COMPREHENSION
1. What information does Lord Canterville share with Mr. Otis to justify his belief that the ghost
exists? What is your opinion of Lord Canterville?
To justify his belief that the ghost exists, Lord Canterville narrates an incident which his grandaunt,
the Dowager Duchess of Bolton, experienced. His grandaunt was frightened into a fit by two
skeleton hands being placed on her shoulders as he was dressing for dinner. She never recovered
from that.

Lord Canterville is a respected descendant of the Canterville family, a man of the most ‘punctilious
honour’ who does not fail in his duty to mention the facts about the house to Mr Otis.
2. What did Mr. Otis mean by the phrase take the furniture and ghost at a valuation? Does the
phrase painting the old world red better reveal Mr. Otis’s view of life?
By the phrase ‘take the furniture and ghost at a valuation’, Mr Otis means to say that he’d take both
the ghost and the furniture for estimation. It shows his indifference to the belief of ghost.
The phrase, ‘painting the old world red’ better reveals Mr Otis’ materialistic view life.
3. Describe Mr. Otis’s personality.
Mr. Otis is a determined, inflexible, rational, practical, pragmatic and down-to-earth person. At the
beginning, he believes that the ghost doesn’t exist. Then, when he personally meets him, he is
indifferent towards it for he has more important things to do. He prove himself as a ‘true American’.
4. Who is described as a celebrated New York Belle with animal spirits? Why? How is she different
from other ladies from here country?
Miss Lucretia R. Tappan who now is known as Mrs Otis is described as a celebrated New York Belle
with animal spirit, because she has a magnificent constitution, and is a very active and lively person.
Many American ladies on leaving their native land adopt the appearance and lifestyle of the
Europeans but, as for Mrs Otis, she had never fallen into this error.
5. Who is described as an Amazon? What does this mean? What else do we come to know about
her?
Miss Virginia E. Otis is described as an Amazon. Amazon means “horsewoman”, a lady who rides a
horse.
Miss Virginia is the second child and only daughter of the family. She is a fairly skilled horsewoman,
free spirited and extremely active.
6. Explain the phrase the only true Republicans in the family. Why are the twins referred to as The
Stars and Stripes?
The twins always enjoyed the complete freedom in doing their mischievous things. Therefore, the
twins are the only true republicans in the family.
The twins are Americans, so they are given the nickname ‘The Stars and Stripes’ as it is for the
American flag. The twins are referred to ‘The Stars and Stripes’ for the complete freedom they
gained in playing pranks on the ghost.
7. What do we learn about the ghost from Mrs Umney?
Mrs Umney tells the family that Lady Eleanor de Canterville was murdered by her own husband, Sir
Simon de Canterville. After the murder, he had survived nine years and later he disappeared
mysteriously. His body was never found but his guilty spirit still haunts the chase.

INTERPRETATION
 1. “My dear Hiram,” cried Mrs Otis, “what can we do with a woman who faints?” “Charge it to
her like breakages,” answered the Minister; “she won’t faint after that;” and in a few
moments Mrs Umney certainly came to.
What do you think of the reaction of Mr and Mrs Otis to Mrs Umney’s fainting fit? Choose one
of the options and support your choice with reason(s).
a. Mr and Mrs Otis are cold and unfeeling.
b. Mr and Mrs Otis are only too practical and realistic; they understand human nature and
appear to have guessed Mrs Umney’s weakness, attributing it all to a fear of ghosts, old
age and a bit of exaggeration too.
The reason is that in a few moments, Mrs Umney came back to senses.
2. Match the line from the text to the correct speaker and the character trait(s) of the speaker
they highlight.

Statement Speaker Character Trait

Pinkerton’s Champion Stain Remover and Paragon
Detergent will clean it up in no time,”
“I have seen things with my own eyes, sir,” that would
make any Christian’s hair stand on end, and many and
many a night I have not closed my eyes in sleep for the
awful things that are done here.”
“Charge it to her like breakages,” “she won’t faint after
that;”
“How horrid!” “I don’t at all care for blood-stains in a
sitting-room. It must be removed at once.”
Washington Otis practical, materialistic and direct
approach to solving problems.
Nervous and vague; possibly given to
exaggeration.
Mrs Umney
practical response and reaction to people;
Mrs Otis keen understanding of human weakness
authoritative and grounded; having
Mrs Otis decided views and not swayed by hearsay

3. Why does the author say that the Americans and the English do not have their language in
common? Do some research and share examples to show differences between British and
American English.
The inability to share common understanding due to the clash in culture between the Americans
and the British makes the author cite the existence of the difference between the American and
the British.
As far as a language in concerned, American and British English differs in the vocabulary,
collective noun and spelling, etc.
Vocabulary: British bonnet comes as hood in American English.
Collective nouns: American English for collective nouns are singular whereas British term it as
both singular and plural.
American: A band is good
British: The team is playing tonight.
Spellings: Colour turns color in American, honour turns honor in American.

CHAPTER-2
Encounters with a Legendary Ghost
COMPREHENSION
1. Describe the reactions of Washington and his parents when they discover the bloodstain on the
third morning. What do their reactions reveal about their personalities?
The discovery of blood stain on the third morning removed all the doubts they had about the
existence of ghost. They became sure of the existence if the ghost. They took a new interest in it.
Mr. Otis realized that he was too dogmatic in his denial of the existence of ghost. He thought of
 joining psychical society and Washington prepared a long letter to Messrs. Myers and Podmore on
the subject of the permanence of Sanguineous stains when connected with crime.
Their reactions show that they can be easily carried away by circumstantial changes. But they want
evidence.
2. Explain the phrase the importance of Boston in the development of world-soul. Why is such a
reference being made?
The ‘the importance of Boston in the development of world-soul’ refers the school of thought
which believed in a single animating force of the world corresponding to a human soil which
animates the body. By mentioning this phrase the Otis family is discussing the contribution of
Boston thinkers to this school of thought.
3. Right in front of him he saw, in the wan moonlight, an old man of terrible aspect.
a. Who saw an old man? Who was the old man? Describe the reaction.
Mr Otis saw an old man.
The old man was the ghost of Simon de Canterville.
The Canterville Ghost became indignant. He dashed the battle of lubricant, which Mr. Otis had
given for oiling his chain, violently upon the polished floor. He fled down the corridor making
more spooky effects but the twins came out of their room and threw a pillow at him, terrified by
it the ghost hurriedly disappeared to the safety of his room.
b. What did the twins do to the old man?
The twins threw a large pillow at the old man. It whizzed past his head.
4. He thought of the Dowager Duchess, whom he had frightened into a fit as she stood before the
glass in her lace and diamonds;..
a. The ghost starts recounting the various frightening encounters in the past because
he…………………………………
Felt disappointed at Mr. Otis’s lack of fear and offended by his offer of a practical solution like oil
for his noisy chains.
b. Recount any three encounters of the past that the ghost was proud of……..
The ghost had a brilliant and uninterrupted career of three hundred years of them. The three
frightening encounters of the past that the ghost was proud of are:
a. He had frightened the Dowager Duchess into a fit as she stood before the glass in her lace
and diamonds.
b. He had frightened the four housemaids into hysteria by grinning at them though the
curtains in one of the spare bedrooms.
c. When the rector of the parish was coming late one night from the library, he had blown out
his candle as a result of which he suffered nervous disorder and since then he had been
under the care of Sir William Gull.

INTERPRETATION
1. The subjects discussed as I have since heard from Mr Otis….
Why do you think the author writes this way? Does it tell you something about the ending of the
story?
The author refers to the enthusiastic egotism of the true artist.
2. The author refers to the enthusiastic egotism of the true artist.
a. Who is compared to the true artist here?
‘The true artist’ is referred to the Canterville ghost’.
b. Do you think it is an accurate description of the ghost’s state of mind? Why?
Yes, it is accurate description of the ghost’s state of mind.
This is because the ghost had never failed in his work that is attributed to a ghost. Every artist
aims at perfecting himself in what he is talented. When he succeeds in his creativity, he naturally
 takes pride in it. Likewise, the ghost celebrates his victories and naturally feels hurt at his
stebacks caused by a few modern Americans.
3. For a moment the Canterville Ghost stood quite motionless in natural indignation…. What does
the author mean by natural indignation?
Clues: equating the ghost with human beings in experiencing feelings of regret, insult, pride, etc.
By naturally indignation the author means to say that, though a ghost, the Canterville Ghost had all
natural emotional feelings like regret, insult, pride, etc. As such he is badly offended by Mr. Otis’s
lack of fear.
4. a. Can you trace an element of justice in the ghost’s terrible acts on his victims? Support your
answer with the relevant act(s) of the ghost.
It is natural and justifiable that a ghost should be terrible in his acts. It can be traced in the author’s
minute description of the ghost’s willy acts.
b. Match the ghost’s terrible acts from the text with the traits that they indicate, and give the
reasoning of the ghost behind such acts.

Terrible acts of the Canterville Character Traits Reasoning

Ghost
The butler’s suicide terrified by the sight of mockery and sheer ghoulish a victim’s death is an achievement for
a green hand tapping at the window-pane pleasure, as part of a ghost’s the ghost
nature and habit

The ghost dashed the bottle of lubricant sense of justice anger roused by lack of fear. This is a
upon the floor ghost’s inherent right
Revenge
He killed a cheat (Lord Canterville) by adherence to Godly and religious sense of righteousness
making him swallow a card with which he vows
cheated Charles James Fox

5. Imagine that you are a journalist in those times doing research on those ghosts and write an
article where you showcase the Canterville Ghost as being the most frightening ghost of all times.

CHAPTER-3
Ghostly Strategies
COMPREHENSION
1. Describe the second encounter that the Otis family has with the ghost.
The second encounter with the ghost was on Sunday night. The ghost creates a frightful amount of
noise from the hall. When the family comes down and discovers the ghost, the twin shoots at him
with their pea-shooter and Mr. Otis threatens him with a revolver. The ghost manages to escape
making a demonical laughter, thinking it would frighten the family but to his surprise he is offered a
digestive tonic by Mrs. Otis who thinks he is ill.
2. How are Mr and Mrs Otis similar in their reactions to the ghost?
Mr and Mrs Otis are similar in their reaction towards the ghost because both are fearless and down-
to-earth persons. They approach the ghost with remedies which the ghost takes as an insult. Mr Otis
offers the ghost a bottle of lubricant-Rising Sun Lubricator, for his rusted chains to avoid the
annoyance of noise at night. In the same manner when the ghost lets out his demoniac laughter to
scare, Mrs Otis suspected him to be sick and offered him a medicine – a bottle of Doctor Dobell’s
tincture to cure his ailment.
3. How does the ghost recall his demoniac laughter being received in the past? What had been the
reaction to his manifestation as a big black dog?
 The ghost was known for his demoniac laughter. It was found extremely useful more than one
occasion. It was said to have turned Lord Raker’s wig grey in a single night and frightened away
three French governesses.
The ghost felt offended by the response of Mrs Otis. Therefore, he decides and makes preparation
to turn himself into a big black dog and scare her like he did to Thomas Herton in the past, who
never recovered from the state of permanent idiocy, but his plans are interrupted by the twin’s
footsteps coming towards him compelling to disappear from that very place with a demoniac groan.
4. Describe the meeting of the Canterville Ghost with his new found ghost friend.
The ghosts sets out to accomplish his mission but to his horror, he sees a horrible spectre standing
motionless in front of him looking as monstrous as a madman’s dream, his appearance was fiery and
a strange inscription was placed upon its breast. The ghost never having seen another ghost before
was terribly frightened so he fled back to his room without much delay.
5. What compels the ghost to return to the fearful spot and how does he feel about his new
discovery? What leaves him feeling frustrated in the end?
The Canterville Ghost plucks up enough courage and decides to meet the other ghost at dawn and
make some compromises after all two ghosts were better than one. When found out that he was
tricked, he became furious and swore terrible oath. The ghost felt frustrated and confused in the
end because he was deceived and his plan to murder was left undone as the rooster failed to crow
twice.
6. Why is the phrase gross materialism used to describe the ghost’s view of the Otis family? Does it
indicate a bias towards ghostly form of existence?
The ghost uses the phrase ‘gross materialism’ to describe the Otis family because of the
fearlessness they exhibit to him in spite of his entity as ghost. Their daring attempt to confront him
with lubricant, medicine and pea-shooters made him think that the Otis family were purely
materialistic, having no concern about the disastrous works of the ghost.
7. The ghost broke down in his room because he
d. could not wear his suit of armour.
Provide reasons to justify your answer.
The ghost was distressed because he was unable to wear the armour, he thought that even the
modern Americans could be thrilled by the sight of the ghost but nothing as such happened
thus, making him upset.

INTERPRETATION
1. On reaching his room, he entirely broke down, and became a prey to the most violent agitation.
a. Would you see these reactions as indicating that the ghost, from feeling rage, disappointment
and revenge, is now entering a mood of defeat, dejection and submission?
Yes, because he could not frighten the Otis family with all the pranks he knew. All his attempts
fell flat. It is this mood of defeat which made him disappointed and submissive.
b. Can you point out at least three other phrases/sentences that indicate this transformation in
his mood?
However, by taking great care of himself, he recovered and resolved to make a third attempt to
frighten the United States’ Minister and his family.
2. Perdition seize the naughty fowl, the ghost muttered. Why?
The ghost muttered so because his oath did not work. Chanticleer had always crowed twice but just
as the ghost has plan to murder, it did not crow therefore, feeling disappointed he curses the bird
and wishes that it is in hell.
3. The ghost plans his revenge elaborately. Here too, there emerges a sense of tit-for-tat in the
ghost’s revenge plans, indicating a sense of justice behind his tricks and strategies, as in his past
encounters. Fill in the columns matching the strategy for each of the Otises and the reason behind
such trick?
 Plan of Action of the Canterville Ghost ------------- August 17 th Friday

The Otises Trick/Strategy Reasoning

Mr Hiram Otis Hiss into ear the awful secrets of charnel-house Equating him with human
beings, giving insults.
Mrs Otis peace a clammy hand on her forehead For removing the famous
Canterville
Washington Gibber at him, from the fort of the bed, and stab himself three For removing the famous
times in the throat to the sound of music Canterville blood-stain with
Pinkerton’s Paragon
Detergent.
Virginia Otis A few hollow groans from the wardrobe, or grabbled at the For being a member of Otis
count counterpane with palsy-twitching fingers family
The Twins Sit upon their chests, produce the stifling sensation of night Vulgarity
mare. Stand between their beds in the form of a green, icy—
cold corpse, till they became paralyzed with fear, finally throw
off the winding sheet, and crawl round the room with white,
bleached bones, and one rolling eyeball.

4. Imagine and enact a scenario where the ghost complains to the Ghost Council that he is having a
terrible time with the Otis family. How do you think the Council members would react and advise
him?
5. Do the strategies and encounters of the ghost strike you as funny or frightening or an odd mixture
of both gore and humour? How does Wilde bring this out? Can you cite some specific
sentences/phrases/titles that make you feel this way?
Clues: grabble at the counterpane with palsy-twitching fingers; Dumb Daniel;
Oscar Wilde is mainly known for his humour and satire. Similarly, in “The Canterville Ghost” he
enacts the theme of humour as well as the gore feeling. This contrast is captured greatly with a
strong sense of contrast between the aspects of life and death between the American culture and
also the combination of humour and terror in the story.
Humour in “The Canterville Ghost” first serves to eliminate some of the dark and scary atmosphere
that typically accompanies ghost story. For instances, the ‘persistent bloodstain’ humour is clearly a
major tool because Wilde uses it effectively yet in a more tactful way to bring the issue of the
clashes of the era between British and the American culture.

CHAPTER-4

Schoolboys’ Tricks
COMPREHENSION
1. How do we come to know that the ghost had changed and become quite diligent about doing the
right as a supernatural being?
We come to know that the ghost had changed and become quite diligent about doing the right thing
as a supernatural being from his two decisions. One was that he decided to give up the work of
blood-stain in the library floor which he found the Otis family did not deserve. The second decision
was to resume his ghostly duties that is-to appear in the corridor once a week, and to gibber from
the large oriel window on the first and third Wednesdays in every month. He found out that to do
this was his obligations.
2. a. Does the ghost try to safeguard himself while continuing to discharge his ghostly duties? Why
does he do this?
Yes, the ghost tries to safeguard himself while continuing to discharge his ghostly duties.
He does so because the ghost failed to frighten the family after much effort and got
disappointed and eventually discharged his ‘ghostly duties.’
b. Is it strange that a ghost has to protect himself and act with caution?
 Certainly, it is strange that a ghost has to protect himself and act with caution. A ghost is known
for its hideous activities. Nevertheless, the Canterville ghost is attributed with human qualities
and naturally he needed to protect himself against the pranks played by the Otis to threaten
him.
c. Point out three measure that the ghost adopts in order to safeguard himself.
The ghost removed his boots while traversing the corridor between midnight at 3 o’clock. He
trod as lightly as possible on the old worm-eaten boards. He wears as large black velvet cloak
and used the rising sun lubricator for oiling his chains.
3. He had gone downstairs to the great entrance hall feeling sure there at any rate he would quite
unmolested,...
a. Who would be left unmolested, by whom and why?
The ghost would be left unmolested by the twins because he was very particular and careful in
moving about the house and thought that they were asleep.
b. What happened that night on the 19th of September in the great entrance-hall?
The ghost receives a final blow from the twins and Washington.
c. Does it mark a turning point in the ghost’s life at Canterville Chase?
Yes, it marks a turning point in the ghost’s life at the Canterville chase.
4. Seized with a panic which under the circumstances was only natural he rushed for the staircase,…
a. Why do you think the panic was deemed to be natural? In there a resemblance between ghost
and human beings in general, while being attributed with feelings of panic?
The panic was deemed to be natural because his confrontation with the twins was quite
unexpected. In the context, we can sense a resemblance between the ghost and the human
beings while being attributed with feelings of panic.
b. What happened near the staircase?
Washington was waiting for the ghost with a big garden-syringe.
5. Normal life resumed at the Canterville household with the ghost making no further appearances.
Complete the table below, matching the Otis family members with their respective activities.

Activity The Otis

resumed his great work on the history of the Democratic Party Mr Otis
Organized a wonderful clam-brake Mrs Otis
Took to lacrosse, euchre, poker, and other American national games The Twins
Rode about the lanes on her pony, accompanied by young Duke Virginia

6. This shock to his nervous system was so great….

a. Is it
i. odd
ii. funny
iii. impossible
for a ghost to have a nervous system and to catch a cold?
Funny: funny for a ghost to have a nervous system and to catch a cold.
b. What might have been some of the serious consequences if he had brought his head with
him?
If he had brought his head, he would have suffered from pneumonia. In that case he would have
to consult with a doctor. But it would sound impractical and would result in the possible death
of the Canterville Ghost.

INTERPRETATION
1. What made the ghost conclude that the Otises were evidently people on a low, material plane
and quite incapable of appreciating the symbolic value of sensuous phenomena?
 The Otises did not recognize the ghostly activities as a supernatural nor considered them as
fearful. They were down to earth. At his attempts to frighten them were thwarted by the Otises.
2. It was his solemn duty to appear in the corridor once a week, and to gibber from the large
oriel window…
a. What is the author trying to indicate by pointing out the ghost’s sense of duty?
By pointing out the ghost’s sense of duty, the author is trying to indicate the awareness of
ghost about what he should do, that he cannot retract himself from his duties. With this, the
author is reminding the readers that everyone should do the responsibilities vested in him.
b. Do you see a slow but certain transformation in the ghost becoming submissive and
resorting to self-protection?
Yes, certain transformation in the ghost becoming submissive and resorting to self –
protection is seen. Finding the Otis family removing the blood-stain on the library floor
regularly, he gives up the point of the blood-stain. Later, disappointed by another abortive
attempt to scare the Otis twins, he gives up all hopes of ever frightening the American
family. He wanted himself creeping about the passages in list slippers, with a thick red
muffler round his throat for fear of draughts, and a small arabesque, in case he should be
attacked by the twins.
3. He felt a little humiliated at first, but afterwards was sensible enough to see that there was a
great deal to be said for the invention.
a. Who was sensible enough to see a great deal of value in what?
The Canterville ghost was sensible enough to see a great deal of value in the use of the
rising lubricator for oiling his chains.
b. When
When he traversed the corridor.
c. Why did he feel humiliated at first?
He felt humiliated for taking the rising sun lubricator from Mr Otis’s bedroom, the same
thing he had fused before when he was offered it by Mr Otis.
d. His appreciation of the value of the invention shows that
i. he has evolved from a lowly, rigid existence of scaring people and being incentive to
others, to being sensible and civilized
ii. he is scared of the twins
support your answer with reasons.
He has evolved from a lowly, rigid existence of scaring people and being incentive to
others, to being sensible and civilized.
Mr Otis’s offer to the ghost of the lubricant, at first, was turned down. In fact, Mr Otis
had offered it so that he might not be disturbed by sound of the rusted chains. But later,
he becomes sensible to realize his mistake and it is a clear sign of getting civilized. At the
same time, he also wants it as a means of protection against trapping of the twins.
4. The persistent actions of the twins and Washington wear down the resolve of the ghost.
Describe the entire sequence of events that finally lead up to the believed disappearance of
the ghost.
Multipronged reactionary actions of the Otis children tired the ghost considerably. He was at
wit’s end. In the path of his natural walk strings were continually being stretched across, over
which he tripped in the dark. On another occasion he slipped over a butter-slide which the twins
had constructed from the entrance of the tapestry chamber to the top of the Oak stair case. This
was a great insult to him. Then he resolved to make one final effort to assert his dignity and
social position, and determined to visit the insolent twins the next night in his most famous
character of “Reckless Rupert, or the Headless Earl. On reaching the room occupied by the
twins, he flung its half opened door wide open. As soon as he did so, a heavy jug of water fell
right down on him, wetting him to the skin, and just missing his shoulder by a couple of inches.
 At this, the twins let out stifling shrieks of laughter. It shocked his nervous system resulting in a
severe cold.
The final blow he received was on the 19 th of September. He had gone down-stairs to the
entrance hall dressed for the character of ‘Jonas the Graveless or the Corpse-snatcher of
Chertsey Barn’. As he was trolling towards the library, the twins leaped out on him from a dark
corner waving their hands wildly above their heads, shrieking out “BOO!” in his ear. When he
rushed for the staircase panic-stricken, he found Washington Otis waiting for him with the big
garden-syringe. Thus, he was surrounded all sided by his enemies. This led to his final
disappearance through the flues and chimneys.
5. a. Why did the ghost recall his connection with the young Duke of Cheshire? Is that why
he wanted to terrorize him?
The ghost recalled his connection with the young Duke of Cheshire in order to terrorize him
using the same trick with which he frightened his grand-uncle, Lord Francis Stilton.
b. Does this tell us something about the ghost’s tendency to hold grudges for long periods of
time?
Yes, this does tell us something about the ghost’s tendency to hold grudges for long periods
of time.
That is why the ghost, in spite of his invalid state, got ready to terrorize the young Duke of
Cheshire, remembering how he doomed his grand-uncle, Lord Francis Stilton for
underestimating his caliber by subjecting to a bet for hundred guineas.
c. What prevented the ghost from terrorizing the young Duke?
The ghost’s terror of the twins prevented him from terrorizing the young Duke.
6. Write a short story titled Common sense always wins to show the down-to-earth approach of
the Otis family has helped them to emerge victorious over the Canterville Ghost.
Common sense always wins
The Otises family were rational people, they lack fear of ghosts. The Otises family were very
smart people who came up with a practical solution like the Rising Sun Lubricator, Digestive
tonic, Stain Remover, etc. Every time the ghost appears in front of them, instead of being scared
they try to help him with a practical solution which actually humiliates the ghost. The Otises did
not act any differently or cared or bothered about his existence, thus the down to earth
character in the Otises family helped them emerge victorious over the Canterville Ghost.
 Summative Assessment
CHAPTER-1 -- 4
Answer the following in 150 words. Use the clues provided.
1. The ghost’s ghoulish and creepy behaviour towards the Otis family starts with the usual
enthusiasm, but dies it last? Trace the behaviour and strategies of the ghost from the
beginning to the point where it retires to plan his revenge on the 17 th of August.
Clues: bloodstain on carpet—rattling chains at night—blowing out candle—demonical
laughter—muttering curses--confidence level of ghost falls—dejection and frustration grows
as each trick is met with practical solutions such as stain remover, oil, tincture and mischief of
the twins
The initial approach of the ghost towards the Otis family is believed to be in a usual and ordinary
manner where no sudden reactions were created. The ghost was at ease by just appearing as in
the form of a bloodstain on the floor by the fireplace, which indeed created suspicions to them.
It is no surprise that the presence of the ghost is shown by the darkness in the rooms where
candles are blown out followed by the demoniacal laughter producing fear and alarm to the
family. The ghost even mutters curses in silence over the Otis family, his confidence level begin
to fall. The feeling of dejection and frustration grew as each trick is met out with a practical
solution; stain removers come to the rescue of the Otis, tincture and mischief of the twins often
outsmarts the plans and attempts of the ghost.
2. Describe in the detail the careful plan that the ghost makes to frighten the individual
members of the Otis family. Provide a detailed description of the anti-climax. What does the
ghost come across and how does he react?
Clues: refer to the end of the chapter table for strategy for the 17 th of August—ghost is
terrified of fake ghost and then tries to befriend him—disappointment and curse—followed by
disappointment as the cock fails to crow twice
The ghost appears to be timid and easily frightened. He planned to attack the family one after
the other on the 17th of August; where he planned to stab himself three times in the throat
before Washington, frighten Mrs Otis by placing cold, wet hand on her, whisper frightening tales
in Mr. Otis’ ears etc. The ghost also planned to frighten Virginia in ordinary way by producing a
few groans. His final plan was to appear as a ‘Dumb Daniel, or the Suicide’s skeleton’ to terrify
the twins. But to his utter surprise, he entered only to notice another ghost in the room. The
sight of the ghost terrified him away to retreat from his plans. He was unable to gather up
courage where he was left helpless and dejected on returning with his plans undone.
3. What aspects of the ghost’s character are revealed when the ghost’s attempts to scare the
Otis family fails? Describe his states of mind in detail, up to the point where he retires, only to
plan revenge against the young Duke of Cheshire?
Clues: views everything in black and white—vengeful, bearing grudges and frustrated—seeks
variety in his costumes—proud of his heroic deeds of terrorism and gruesome horror—very
comfortable in his skin as a ghost until the Otis family came along—defensive and scared after
encounter with the Otises—has a reasoning behind his gruesome acts—strong memory for his
influence on the Duke’s ancestors
The ghost seems to be very articulated in his plans. He views everything in black and white; the
clear and systematic view. His plans are all vengeful, bearing grudges and frustration all through.
Despite his failed attempts, his is proud of his history of being able to terrify the Duke’s
ancestors. The audacity of his heroic deeds knew no bound until the arrival of the Otis family.
They were the hardest to get convinced and terrified. The comfort in being in the skin of the
 ghost seems to be losing its grip as he is compelled to be more defensive and sacred after every
encounter with the Otises. The reasoning attitude begins to take cover where he started sharing
terrifying experiences and the unsuccessful attempts he had upon influencing the Duke’s
ancestors before the arrival of the Otises in the Canterville Chase.
4. The ghost is very conscious of his appearance and ‘make-up’. Can you describe in detail the
various costumes he had donned for his appearances on different occasions in the past as well
as to scare the Otis family?
Clues: refer to chapter-1 when the ghost reminisces over his past appearances—his costumes
for the 17th August revenge plan, Headless Earl, Dumb Daniel and others.
The ghost reminisces over all his grand exploits and found it insufferable to be treated so
trivially by the Otis’s family. He was greatly conscious of his appearance being a major tool to
carry out his plans. He remembers how he affected Madame de Tremouillac by appearing as a
skeleton. His appearance had also frightened Lord Canterville the Dowager Duchess of Bolton.
He came upon with a green hand tapping at the window. His very first appearance as ‘Gaunt
Gibeon, the Blood sucker of Bexley Moor,’ as well as his later appearances.
5. Give a detailed character sketch of Mr Hiram B Otis. As you do so, point out what
predominant quality stands out in his character?
Clues: his offer of oil to the ghost—his defense of the ghost by admonishing the twins for
throwing pillows at him—allowing the ghost to be part of the house, a very down-to-earth
practical trait in character
Mr Hiram Otis is the American ambassador to the royal court of England. He is rational and
pragmatic American Republican. He comes from a modern country where they have everything
that money can buy. He refuses to believe that Canterville Chase is haunted despite what his
acquaintances say. Later, however, after that constant reappearance of the bloodstain in the
library floor, he has to accept the existence of disembodied spirit. Yet, this revelation does not
frighten him. It is simply amusing that Mr Otis is not bothered by the existence of the ghost and
allows the ghost to be a part of the house, as the ghost has been in the house for quite a long
time. Mr Otis is very fair and just in his judgments and views for he says that he has no intention
of bringing any harm or injury to the ghost and does not support the twins for throwing a pillow
at the ghost. Mr Otis does not approve of titles and the enfeebling influences of pleasure—
loving aristocracy. Mr Otis is also a man of honour which is evident in his attempt to restore of
Canterville jewels, gifted to Virginia by the ghost to Lord Canterville.
6. Describe each member of the Otis family and explain at least one common characteristic
present in all of them, citing instances as you do so.
Clues: character descriptions in chapter 1 citing examples from the text—describe how they
are united in their lack of fear of ghosts—unanimous preference for practical solutions to
ghoulish disturbances, as in every other situation
Mrs Lucretia Otis: The wife of the American ambassador to the royal 0f royal of England. She is
described as a very handsome, middle-aged woman with fine eyes and a superb profile. The
author praises her for having a magnificent constitution and a really wonderful amount of
animal spirits. He says that on this account she was more English than American. Mrs. Otis much
like others in her family represents American practically and consumerism. When the bloodstain
keeps reappearing after its removal, the Otises are forced to acknowledge the ghosts presence
in the house.
Washington: He is the eldest son of Otis, fair haired, good looking and excellent dancer. He is
said to display an excessive fondness towards the nobility. This sets him apart from his father
who does not approve to titles and the enfeebling influences of the pleasure-loving aristocracy.
Like others in his family, Washington speaks the language of practical consumerism.
Ms. Virginia: the daughter of Mr and Mrs Otis. She is an athletic and free spirited with golden
hair and large blue eyes. She has a great regard for her family. So, she takes offence when the
ghost calls her family horrid, rude, vulgar and dishonest. She shows an inclination towards
forgiveness and love. Her entry to the Garden of Death and her selflessness bears fruit and Sir
Simon is able to attain everlasting sleep. For her, the encounter with the ghost is a life—
changing event. It helped her understand the significance of life and death and the power of
love over the two.
The Otis twins: They are the youngest members of the Otis family. They prove to be the
Canterville ghost’s nemeses. They attack him with off his wits. They even cause him to be
drenched in water. All these pranks foil his every attempt to frighten to Otises, leaving him
feeling molested, wounded, shocked and depressed. In fact, they succeed in frightening him to
such an extent that he is forced to stop all his nocturnal expeditions.