Question

The Canterville Ghost presents more instances of belied expectations and terrors than that of frightening incidents usually incorporated in ghost novels. Discuss.

Answer 1

It is true that Canterville Ghost presents more instances of belied expectations and terrors than that of frightening incidents usually incorporated in ghost novels. In order to have a deeper insight into the subject, we will have to ponder over the novelist's intention behind the creation of the book. His sole aim was to amusingly inform the readers about his views about the supernatural phenomena handled by people in the contemporary society. He wanted to impress upon the people to look scientifically at ghosts and other supernatural entities. So he intentionally depicted the ghost as having human flaws. Whereas some other novelists, such as H.P. Lovecraft have created very horrifying ghostly figures in his novels. Undoubtedly, the ghost in Canterville Ghost is much less frightening and much more human-like.