The Canterville Ghost is a short story by Oscar Wilde, written in the late 19th century during the Victorian era. It skillfully blends humor with the supernatural, centering on the comedic clash between a ghost who has haunted Canterville Chase for centuries and a modern American family.
The Otis family disregards warnings about the ghost and purchases Canterville Chase, embarking on an amusing cohabitation with the spectral Sir Simon. Despite his attempts to frighten the family, the ghost is met with their dismissive and practical responses, including offers of modern solutions to his ghostly dilemmas, turning traditional ghost stories on their head.
Frustrated by their reactions, Sir Simon unexpectedly forms a bond with the youngest daughter, Virginia. Through her compassion and help, the ghost finds redemption and finally achieves peace. The story humorously explores themes of redemption, the nature of fear, and the innocence of children. It concludes with Virginia gaining a deeper understanding of love and the afterlife, symbolically bridging the gap between the supernatural and the human experience.
