Question

Describe the supernaturalism in the novel the canterville ghost

Answer 1

Oscar Wilde's "The Canterville Ghost" as the name suggests is a supernatural story, but with a comic touch to it. The author uses common elements associated with ghost or horror stories and uses them as comic relief. For example, none of the members of the Otis family are afraid of the Ghost, in spite of the fact that he is tied in rusted chains and covered with a tattered shroud. Instead, the Otis twins have a go at him with their pillows. The Ghost gives the Otis family his "celebrated peal of demoniac laughter" only to be offered "Dr. Dobell's tincture" by Mrs. Otis. Finally, the ominous voices that Miss Virginia Otis hears before entering the hidden chamber in the "Tapestry room" adds further to the supernatural element in the story. Other than the major incidents associated with the Ghost, Oscar Wilde also adds simpler tropes associated with horror stories. Sudden thunderclaps, peals of lightening, incessant rain, abrupt changes in weather and even a cockerel refusing to crow, complete the supernatural background against which the tale is set.