Question

Pen Portrait Of Mr. Otis From Canterville Ghost

Answer 1

Mr Otis is clearly forceful and direct. He openly speaks his mind as illustrated when he speaks to Lord Canterbury about the ghost. He tells the lord that if such a thing existed, it would be used in a roadshow or put on display in a museum. This further indicates that he is not at all superstitious and is a realist, one who deals with things as they are and does not believe in fantasy or any such mumbo-jumbo. He is entirely matter-of-fact with regard to whatever he is told. This aspect is displayed in the manner in which he responds to Mrs Umney's fainting, suggesting that she should be penalized financially for breakages in service if she should repeatedly faint.

Mr Otis comes across as very patriotic. He is also loyal to his party as he is described as a 'true republican.' As a minister, it is obvious that he should display these qualities, but he took it a step further by naming his oldest son Washington. The mocking reference to the twins as 'The Stars and Stripes,' also alludes to the to the American flag.

Mr Otis evidently is a fearless man. This is most pertinently illustrated in his many confrontations with the ghost. In his first encounter with the supernatural entity, for example, he does not panic or become afraid. He, instead, treats the phantom as he would any ordinary person. He, furthermore, dispenses advice and suggests that the spirit oil its chains since they make so much noise. This also shows that he is a practical man who would readily seek solutions to problems.