Question

How does the conversation between Mr.otis and lord canterville on the existence of a ghost reveal the difference in their cultural background

Answer 1

The conversation between Mr.Otis and Lord Canterville on the existence of a ghost reveals that there is a huge difference in their cultural background.

• Despite the warnings of Lord Canterville on the presence of a ghost in the house, Mr.Otis was adamant to buy the house.

• Since he does not believe that the house is haunted by spirits, he rejects every argument provided as proof of their existence and freely buys Canterville Chase.

• This shows that on one hand where Lord Canterville believes in spirit and ghosts, on the other hand Mr. Otis had no doubt in his mind that there are no such things as ghosts.

• He believes that if ghosts were real, Americans would already have them displayed in museums and circus acts.

Answer 2

The conversation between Mr. Otis and Lord Canterville reflect the cultural differences of their countries. Mr. Otis was from America, in which most of the people have scientific outlook, did not believe in ghosts; that’s why he purchased the haunted Canterville chase.  

Lord Canterville was a British. People in Britain believe in ghosts. Lord Canterville tried to dissuade Mr. Otis from buying the Chase.  

Later on in the story we see the Otises treating the ghost of Canterville so lightly.  

This proves the cultural differences between Mr. Otis and Lord Canterville.