THE CANTERVILLE GHOST Written By Oscar Wilde Characters

THE CANTERVILLE GHOST. . . Written By- Oscar Wilde

Characters of the story: 1. Lord Canterville (Owner of Canterville chase) 2. Mr. and Mrs. Otis. (New owner of Canterville chase) 3. Washington (Eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Otis. ) 4. Virginia (Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otis. ) 5. Duke Of Cheshire (Lover Of Virginia) 6. Star and Stripes-The Twins (son’s of Mr. and Mrs. Otis. ) 7. Mrs Umney ( House keeper) 8. Lady Eleanor Canterville (Wife of Sir Simon) 9. Sir Simon Canterville (The Ghost).

S. No Content… Slide. No 1. Deal and entrance in the house… 6 2. Mystery of the stain… 9 3. Appearance of blood stain once again…. 11 4. First meet with the ghost. . 13 5. Ghost’s plan of taking revenge… 20 6. Meeting of Virginia and the ghost…. 29 7. Ghost’s problem & Virginia helps the ghost … 30 8. Searching Virginia & Virginia comes back after helping the ghost…. . 35 9. Sir Simon's funeral and Virginia and duke at his grave after marriage… 42.

In England there was 16 th century house. Lord Canterville was his owner. But his family has stopped living their years ago, when his grand-aunt “The Duchess Of Bolton” had felt the ghost on her shoulders. Other members of family also complained of ghostly experiences.

1. Deal & Entrance In The House… The American Minister Hiram B Otis liked the house and decided to buy it. Lord Canterville was honest man and he told every thing about the house to Mr. Otis, then also Mr. Otis decided to buy it saying that he has no belief on ghosts. Finally he bought the house and became the new owner of the house. Mr. Otis came to his now house with entire family. His family consist of he and his wife and four children. • Washington- He was the eldest son of Mr. & Mrs. Otis and was a sensible man. He was fair and good looking. • Virginia- She was theirs daughter and was a slim and lovely girl of fifteen. She had passion for adventure. • Star & Stripes (The Twins)- These were two boys and were very naughty. They were always punished by their teachers at school.

It was a lovely July evening when the Otis family reached the Canterville Chase. Weather was lovely pigeons were cooing and rabbits were playing. But as they entered the house the weather was just opposite, sky suddenly became dark full of clouds. They had to rush indoors as it started raining heavily…. (Earlier) (Later)

Heavy Rain…

2. Mystery of blood stain… Mrs. Umney the house keeper welcomed them. While they were taking tea. Mrs. Otis noticed a stain on the floor. Mrs. Umney told her that it was blood mark which was there for a long time. She told that it was blood of Lady Eleanor Canterville who had been murdered by her husband Sir Simon Canterville in the year 1575.

Washington called it non-sense. He took out Pinkerton’s stain remover and removed the stain keenly. (Earlier) (Later)

3. Appearance of blood stain once again…. Suddenly there was a flash of lightning , loud noise of thunder and Mrs. Umney fainted and said that it was the start of unhappy events which are going to come. But Otis family was calm and Mrs. Otis replied that they did not believe in ghost. Stormy & rainy night passed, next morning the stain was again there on the floor. Washington removed it again and remarked that it must have been there because of the ghosts. This incident was repeated next day as well….

Next day Otis family had gone to enjoy the wonderful evening of July. They returned after enjoying, At eleven o’clock the family had gone to bed.

4. First meet with the ghost. . Mr. Otis was sleeping but at he was awakened by a strange noise. It was the clank of a metal. The sound was coming closer step by step. Mr. Otis was calm and little afraid too. He took up a bottle of a lubricator and came out of the room.

When Mr. Otis came out he saw a frightening old man in front of him. Heavy chain hung from his wrists and ankles. That sound was coming from those chains. He moved towards the old man actually he was the ghost of the house which was living there for a long time nearly 300 years or more, he offered the ghost the lubricator and advised him to use it on his chains…. Seeing that he had failed to frighten Mr. Otis, the ghost became very angry. He threw the bottle angrily and fled away from there…

As the ghost reached the top of the stairs, a pillow struck his head, this was done by the naughtiest twins from their room , then the ghost disappeared.

He ran away from there and reached to his secret room, he had never faced such a bad situation for past 300 years. He was very angry and feeling insulted. He thought about his achievement in past. He had frightened many people. Many died out of the fear. He as famous as a terrifying ghost. . But this family was very different from all other families that the ghost had met and faced earlier. . Next morning during breakfast… Mr. Otis was angry for the act that the twins had done with the ghost, he told the twins that the ghost was living in that house for a long time so their attempts to injure the ghost was not good, he also said that ghost should not make noise in night when its time to sleep…

For rest of the week, the ghost didn't disturb them. He just renewed the stain which was continuously removed by Washington. But it was amazing to see that the color of stain was changing continuously from dull red to vermillion, to rich purple, to green etc. this amused the family members except Virginia. She was unhappy on the day on which the stain changed to emerald green. (GREEN)

The ghost had the suit of armour. He had worn it in the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1 and she had admired it. On Sunday night he decided to wear it, but it was very heavy……. . However he could not stand fell heavily on the floor. The sound brought the entire family to the ghost who was sitting in chair nursing his wounds. Without wasting a minute the twins attacked the ghost with paper pellets. Mr. Otis put out his revolver and asked the ghost to raise up his hands. With a cry of rage, the ghost swept through them like a mist extinguishing the candle…

(Tincture) On reaching the stairs, he gave a peal of demoniar laughter trying to frighten the family. But result was just opposite it brought Mrs. Otis to him. She had with her a bottle of tincture. She asked the ghost to take it as it was excellent for indigestion. This made the ghost angry and he decided to frighten her by turning himself into a large black dog, but as he heard twins approaching towards him. He disappeared. . After this incident, the ghost became very ill. He did not move out of his room except to keep the blood stain always visible….

5. Ghost’s plan of taking revenge… The ghost chose Friday the 17 August for his next appearance. There was violent storm and wind blew. He dressed himself with a white a sheet and a hat with red feather and took a rusty dagger in his hand…. . th The ghost had formed a plan of action. He wanted to avenge himself on Washington who was cleaning stain everyday. Then his next target were Mr. & Mrs. Otis, After this he wanted to frighten Virginia only slightly because she had never insulted him….

G host was most angry with the twins, who had insulted him very much. Ghost wanted to sit on their chest and give them a stifling sensation. Next he wanted to paralyse them with fear by appearing as an icy cold corpse before them. His final plan was to crawl round the room with his white bones and one rolling eye to produce greater effect … (Icy Cold Corpse)

At midnight Ghost made his move. Otis family was sleeping peacefully. The ghost walked like an evil shadow. Muttering his 16 th century curses he reached the passage which led to Washington’s room. The ghost stood for a moment. When the clock struck a quarter past twelve, the ghost felt that the right time had come. So he moved ahead, a strange sight made him fall back There was a ghost much bigger and much more hideous than him. After a hasty glance on the new ghost, he fled dropping dragger on the way. After a while he decided to speak to the new ghost when it was day light. At dawn, however, a strange sight met his eyes. The new ghost was leaning against the wall in an uncomfortable posture and his weapon had fallen from his hand. He rushed to hold the new ghost but there as no ghost it was just a trick by the twins.

In great anger the ghost swore that when the cock crowed twice, the deeds of blood will be done. Hardly he had finished his oath when a cock crowed. The ghost happily waited the cock to crow again. To his distress it didn’t happen. To the ghost it as an indication that his was an unsuccessful oath. Cursing the cock he returned to a comfortable coffin and remained there till evening.

The four weeks of excitement had left the ghost’s nerves shattered. At last he decided to stop removing blood stain. He thought that those people were of low level who did not deserve it. He decided that now he will make fearful voices once a week. To do so he would appear under a large window on the first and third Wednesday every month. Now ghost decided to avoid the crude family of Otis particularly the twins. He did not use the lubricator but tried to walk as silently as possible. Then also he cannot escape from the twins, he found sting stretched on the corridor over which he walk at dark. Once he slipped on some butter which the twins had smeared.

The ghost became very angry this event then he decided to dress as ‘Reckless Rupert’ or the ‘Headless Earl’ to frighten the twins. ‘Reckless Rupert’ ‘Headless Earl’

This getup had helped a lot in past for frightening. He took three hours to get ready in that get up. Then confidently he reached to the twins room, the gate was slightly opened, to make his appearance very effective he flung it wide opened. But there was a surprise for him, a bucket of water was already waiting for him. It was accompanied by stifled peals of laughter from the twins. The ghost fled. He thought he was lucky that he had not brought his head with him otherwise results could be serious.

On the 19 th of September at… The ghost was going to library suddenly the twins shouted ‘boo’ in his ears. The ghost ran but Washington was standing holding hosepipe. He had to escape through the chimney of the house and came to his secret room.

After this incident ghost was not seen for a long time every thought that he had left the house. Mr. Otis informed about it to Lord Canterville. But he was still there………. Mr. Otis threw a party. The young Duke of Cheshire came there to spend his last week of holidays. Virginia went for ride with him. Seeing a guest, the ghost decided to make his appearance once again. But he failed, he found that Twins were also there. Thus Duke slept peacefully and everything seemed well at Canterville Chase. (Duke of Cheshire)

6. Meeting of Virginia and the ghost…. One day, while riding Virginia had her dress torn very badly. On coming home she decided to reach her home by back stairs. She saw ghost sitting sadly in a corner, instead of frightening she felt pity…. (ghost sitting sadly )

7. Ghost’s problem & Virginia helps the ghost … Virginia felt sorry for the behavior of twin brothers. She asked him to behave well and leave peacefully. She said that they are going back to school next day. The ghost looked astonished at her courage. However he said that it was his duty to rattle his chains at night…

Virginia didn’t agree. She also accused him of having killed his wife long before. Ghost replied that he didn’t repent killing his wife. She was an unworthy woman. moreover her brother had starved him to death. thinking that he was still hungry Virginia offered him sandwich Ghost informed that they never eat food he praised for her kindness but said that other members are horrid, rude and dishonest. This made Virginia angry and said that ghost was a thief who was stealing her colors for making the stain, but she never informed anyone about it. It was affecting her talent of art………………

Ghost said that it was her brothers fault who was removing stain daily, Virginia told the ghost to sleep at night not to roam here and there. Ghost said that he had no sleep for last 300 years. Virginia was surprised she asked if he had no place to sleep. The ghost said that he could only sleep in the garden of death. Yet he was not allowed to go there. He said that death is beautiful. However he can only go there with help of a girl like Virginia. Love was a strong force- stronger even than death. Virginia had love so she could help him Ghost reminded her of the old prophecy on the library window. Virginia didn’t understood the meaning of prophecy. Ghost described prophecy mean that a girl like Virginia would help the ghost. The ghost had no tears no faith but Virginia had both.

Ghost added that if Virginia would pray the ‘God of Death’ would have mercy on him. Ghost said if she had courage she would win…. Virginia agreed. Ghost was very happy. Hand in hand they moved forward. Virginia felt that strong voices were asking her to go back. The ghost held her hand tightly and Virginia ignored the voices which urged her to leave the ghost. The wall of room faded and black cavern stood over them. They went in………… (God of Death)

8. Searching Virginia & Virginia comes back after helping the ghost…. . Ten minutes later, it was time for tea. Her mother became worried when Virginia did not come even an hour after that. Everybody started searching her. Mr. and Mrs. Otis searched each corner of the house. Suddenly Mr. Otis thought of the gypsies. They had been camping in his park called Black fell Hollow. He also went there to find gypsies but they had already left the place. Camp fire was still burning. This gave them idea that gypsies had left only a little before.

Feeling sure that Virginia had been kidnapped by the gypsies. Mr. Otis sent messages to all the police station about the kidnapping. He sent Washington and two men to search her around the area. Mr. Otis sent messages took a horse with a groom and rode towards Ascot. He had hardly gone two miles when he found Duke of Cheshire was following him on another horse. Mr. Otis had asked him to stay at home and have his dinner. Mr. Otis was touched by the Dukes devotion to Virginia. He let him to come with him… (Duke) (Mr. Otis)

It was nearly 11 o’clock at night when they returned home, dead tired, and heart broken. Washington was at home he informed that gypsies had been caught on Broxely meadows. Virginia was, however, not with them They searched a lot. But all efforts came to nothing. The whole family was now deeply depressed. Mrs. Otis was in a state of shock. Mrs. Uminy repeatedly washed her fore head with eau-de-cologne. Knowing that his wife has eaten nothing, Mr. Otis ordered supper for the whole members and forced them to go to bed and have rest. He promised that he would contact Scotland yard in the morning….

Just as the dinner was over, they heard a shrill cry and crash. The thunder shook the house and there were sounds of strange music… the top of stair case flew open and Virginia came out.

She was very pale, and was holding a little box in her hand. The happiness of family knew no bounds, Mrs. Otis asked where she had been and tears came out of her eyes, she was little angry too, she thought that it was Virginia’s foolish trick. She told her never again to play such kind of joke again. . The twins shouted that the practical should be played only on the ghost…. Trembling with excitement and holding the box Virginia spoke at last that she had been with the ghost who was now no more. No doubt the ghost had been wicked but he was sorry for his deeds before his death. Before his death, he had given a box of beautiful jewels to Virginia.

Virginia then led the family through the opening down a secret door. There was an oak door which opened when Virginia touched it. They were now in a little room with a tiny window. On the floor lay a gaunt skeleton. An old fashioned jug and plates were also there. On the floor there lay a gaunt skeleton. Virginia knelt and prayed while others looked at her in wonder. the one of the twins rushed into announce that old withered almond tree had blossomed

Virginia said that God had forgiven the ghost. A beautiful light illumined her face and young Duke of Cheshire called her angel.

9. Sir Simon's funeral and Virginia and duke at his grave after marriage… It was now four days that the ghost was dead. At 11 o’clock funeral procession started from Canterville Chase. The ghost coffin was carriage down by eight black horses.

A deep grave yard had been dug in the church yard. When the coffin was being lowered in the grave Virginia laid on it a large cross, the cross was made of almond blossoms. Immediately the entire church yard was flooded with silver light. From the distant nightingale began to sing. This reminded Virginia of the ghost’s description of garden of death.

Next morning Mr. Otis had a long conversation with Lord Canterville about the jewels. Mr. Otis said that those jewels belong to Lord’s family. He requested him to take them with him to London. . Moreover, as Americans believe in simple living. Mr. Otis however wanted to let Virginia keep the empty box as a memento of the ghost. Lord Canterville listen to Mr. Otis carefully but very politely refused the offer. He said that Virginia had done very important service to his ancestor, the Ghost. So he and his family were grateful to Virginia. He added that soul of Sir Simon would never like it. Lord Canterville said that Virginia would be glad to have these ornaments when she grew up. Though unhappy Mr. Otis had no choice. The ghost’s present had to remain with Virginia wore them at the time of her marriage to her old friend the duke of Cheshire. Though everyone was glad at he match, Mr. Otis raised objection. As an American, he disliked the Duke’s having a title. These titles indicate a pleasure love aristocracy. In spite of all that Mr. Otis was proudest man in England when his daughter married the duke.

After their honey moon, the duke and duchess paid a visit to the church yard where the ghost was buried The duchess placed roses on the grave. They stood there for a while. Virginia sat there in a very thoughtful mood.

Suddenly the Duke took hold of Virginia's hand. He said that wife should have no secrets from her husband. So he wanted to know what happened when she was alone with the ghost. Virginia said that she owed a lot to the ghost. He made her see what life is and what death means and why love is stronger than both. She could however not tell everything that she had seen or experienced. the Duke kissed her. He hoped that she would teach her children all that she had learnt. He , however, let her have her secret.

(Love is a strong force- stronger even than death. )

PREPARED By. N. RAM PGT ENGLISH WITH ASSOCIATION OF Anil Kumar Patel. Class- Xi ‘Science’. K. V No. 3 Korba Sources- Internet, Refreshers & Novel .