A novel written by Oscar Wilde

1. Done By
Vishnuprasad.V.P
Class : XI A1
Batch : 2012-13

2. A gifted poet , playwright and wit, Oscar Wilde was a phenomenon in 19th
century England.
Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin, 1854.
He studied at Trinity College before leaving his native land, Ireland, to
study at Oxford University.
On his arrival to America, Oscar stirred the nation with his flamboyant
personality.
His famous works are “The Happy Prince” and “The Selfish Giant”.

3. The Story at a glance
Prologue:
The Otis family come to Canterville Chase not heeding the
local stories about the house being haunted.
They encounter the antics of the ghost.
A bloodstain that keeps on appearing every day even after
removing it.
The family accepts the presence of the ghost.
The ghost plans to scare the family.
Lets see what happened then.

4. What happened then ?
The family tries to return to their normal life by going out for a drive.
That night, the ghost appears in Mr. Otis’ room with a lot of chains that clanked.
Mr. Otis gets irritated and suggests the ghost to use Tammany Rising Sun
Lubricator to make the chains smooth.
The ghost is taken aback and runs back , when out of nowhere the twins appear
and throw pillows at him.
The ghost retires to his chamber and ponders over his past glories of terrifying
the housemaids and driving the members of aristocracy to madness.
The ghost , now decides to take revenge……….
To be continued…..

5. Character
Study
Mr. Otis: American Minister. A very proud and
arrogant, but brave personality who is not afraid of anything
and lives in the modern world.
Mrs. Otis: A former New York belle .And now a
very handsome , middle aged woman, with fine eyes, and
a superb profile.

6. Washington Otis: Christened so by his
parents in a moment of patriotism. A fair –
haired, rather good looking young man . An excellent
dancer. Gardenias and the peerage were his only
weaknesses.
Virginia: A little girl of fifteen, lithe and lovely as
a fawn, and with a fine freedom in her large blue eyes.
She was a wonderful Amazon.

7. The Twins: Usually called “The Star and the
Stripes” , as they were always getting swished. They
were delightful boys, and, with the exception of the
Minister, the only true Republicans in the family.
The Canterville Ghost: He is the „fulcrum‟
along whom the entire plot hangs. He is the most
interesting character who goes about his ghostly duties
with panache and flair. He has the ability to change
forms.