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Canterville Ghost

Canterville Ghost

GothicSatire
Pages
96
Published
1887
Language
English

Synopsis

An American family buys an old English estate, much to the dismay of the resident ghost who's been haunting it for centuries. He tries everything to scare them away, but this modern family is unfazed by his spectral antics. Oscar Wilde's classic tale offers a witty look at cultural clashes and the nature of belief.

Prose complexity
1/10

Vibe

WhimsicalFunny
Fish Out of WaterMorally Grey

Genres

Gothic Satire Classics Fairy Tales Folklore Literary Fiction

About the author

O
Oscar Wilde

An Irish writer, poet, and prominent aesthete. Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish playwright, poet, and author of numerous short stories, and one novel. Known for his biting wit, and a plentitude of aphorisms, he became one of the most successful playwrights of the late Victorian era in London, and one of the greatest celebrities of his day. Several of his plays continue to be widely performed, especially The Importance of Being Earnest. As the result of a widely covered ser...

Characters

All characters in Canterville Ghost

Frequently asked questions

  • Is The Canterville Ghost a standalone story?

    This is a complete short story that fully resolves within its pages. It does not require reading any other works by Oscar Wilde to be understood or enjoyed.

  • Are there any film adaptations of The Canterville Ghost?

    The story has been adapted into several films and television productions over the years. Notable versions include a 1944 film starring Charles Laughton and a 1986 animated version.

  • How does The Canterville Ghost compare to Oscar Wilde's other works?

    While known for his plays and the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, this short story showcases Wilde's characteristic wit and social commentary in a more lighthearted, fantastical setting. It shares his satirical edge but with a gentler, more comedic tone than some of his darker works.

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