The Canterville Ghost
Oscar Wilde
Belletristik/Erzählende Literatur
Beschreibung
"The Canterville Ghost" is a novella written by Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish playwright, poet, and author. First published in 1887, it is one of Wilde's most famous works of prose fiction.
The story follows an American family, the Otises, who move into Canterville Chase, an old English country house haunted by the ghost of Sir Simon Canterville. Despite warnings from the locals about the ghost's presence, the Otises remain undeterred and even make light of the ghost's attempts to scare them. The ghost, frustrated by his inability to frighten the family, becomes increasingly desperate to fulfill his ghostly duties.
"The Canterville Ghost" is a satirical and humorous take on the traditional ghost story, blending elements of comedy, satire, and supernatural fiction. Through the interactions between the ghost and the Otis family, Wilde explores themes of tradition versus modernity, cultural differences, and the nature of fear and bravery.
The novella is celebrated for its wit, clever dialogue, and subversion of Victorian conventions. It has been adapted into various stage plays, films, and television productions and remains a beloved classic of English literature, cherished for its timeless humor and insightful commentary on human nature.
