31 pages • 1 hour read
Oscar WildeThe Canterville Ghost
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1887A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In "The Canterville Ghost" by Oscar Wilde, the American Otis family moves into a British mansion haunted by the ghost of Sir Simon, who murdered his wife centuries ago. Despite the ghost's efforts to scare them, the pragmatic Otises, especially their eldest daughter Virginia, ultimately help Sir Simon find peace, demonstrating themes of forgiveness, love, and the reconciliation of different cultural values.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews of The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde highlight its wit and humor, reflecting Wilde's signature style. Appreciated for its clever satire of both British and American cultures, the novella entertains while providing social commentary. Criticisms include a perceived shallow plot and lack of depth in character development. Overall, it remains a charming, light-hearted read.
Who Should Read The Canterville Ghost?
Readers who relish witty satire, Gothic fiction, and a blend of humor and the supernatural will enjoy Oscar Wilde's The Canterville Ghost. Fans of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson or A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens will find similar delightful themes and engaging storytelling.