The Canterville Ghost introduction
The Canterville Ghost
Introduction to the book
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EngelsMiddelbare schoolvmbo g, t, mavoLeerjaar 2
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Lesson duration is: 45 minItems in this lesson
The Canterville Ghost
Introduction to the book
Slide 1 - Slide
The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde
Slide 2 - Slide
Waar gaat het boek over
Het verhaal voert een Amerikaans ambassadeur ten tonele, de heer Hiram B. Otis, die met zijn gezin naar Engeland reist en daar een spookhuis ('Canterville Chase') betrekt.
Slide 3 - Slide
Waar gaat het boek over
Lord Canterville, de vorige eigenaar van het kasteel, is eerlijk genoeg om zijn koper ervan op de hoogte te stellen dat de geest van Sir Simon de Canterville in het kasteel rondwaart sinds hij zijn vrouw Eleonore heeft vermoord. Velen zijn al ten onder gegaan aan de griezelige ontmoetingen met deze verschijning.
Slide 4 - Slide
Waar gaat het boek over
Maar Otis doet het spookverhaal af als onzin en slaat de waarschuwingen van Lord Canterville in de wind. Het Amerikaanse gezin zet vervolgens alle moderne middelen van de ratio en producten van de industrie in bij zijn strijd tegen de verschijning.
Slide 5 - Slide
What is the book about (English)
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The Canterville Ghost Character List
Slide 7 - Slide
Sir Simon Canterville, The Canterville Ghost
Sir Simon Canterville was a 16th-century English aristocrat who lived at Canterville Chase, where he murdered his wife. As a result, when he died nine years later, he became a ghost destined to haunt the house rather than moving on to a peaceful afterlife. He initially enjoyed his fame as the Canterville ghost, but after his unpleasant encounters with the Otis family, he begins to long for peaceful repose.
Virginia Otis
The adolescent daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otis. She comes to live at Canterville Chase along with her family, and is one of few characters to show sympathy to the ghost.
Duke of Cheshire
The Duke of Cheshire is a wealthy young English aristocrat who falls in love with, and eventually marries, Virginia Otis.
Hiram B. Otis
Hiram Otis is a wealthy, middle-aged American man who purchases Canterville Chase in order to live there with his family. he is a pragmatic and no-nonsense character, but he also seems to be quite a lenient father since he makes no attempt to discipline his children for unruly behavior.
Lucretia Tappan Otis (Mrs. Otis)
Lucretia is the wife of Hiram Otis, and mother to Washington, Virginia, and the twins.
Stars and Stripes (the Otis twins)
The youngest Otis children are a set of twin boys who are never named in the story, instead referred to as "Stars and Stripes." They spend most of the story tormenting the ghost, and they do not seem to be afraid of him at all.
Washington Otis
Washington is the eldest child of the Otis family.
Mrs. Umney
Mrs. Umney works as the housekeeper at Canterville Chase. She is initially employed by the Canterville family, but she continues to work there after the Otis family buys the property and moves in.
Lord Canterville
Lord Canterville is an English aristocrat and the descendant of Sir Simon. At the start of the story, he sells his ancestral family home to the Otis family.
Rev. Augustus Dampier
A well-respected British cleric and intellectual.
Slide 8 - Slide
Virginia Otis
The adolescent daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otis. She comes to live at Canterville Chase along with her family, and is one of few characters to show sympathy to the ghost.
Duke of Cheshire
The Duke of Cheshire is a wealthy young English aristocrat who falls in love with, and eventually marries, Virginia Otis.
Hiram B. Otis
Hiram Otis is a wealthy, middle-aged American man who purchases Canterville Chase in order to live there with his family. he is a pragmatic and no-nonsense character, but he also seems to be quite a lenient father since he makes no attempt to discipline his children for unruly behavior.
Lucretia Tappan Otis (Mrs. Otis)
Lucretia is the wife of Hiram Otis, and mother to Washington, Virginia, and the twins.
Stars and Stripes (the Otis twins)
The youngest Otis children are a set of twin boys who are never named in the story, instead referred to as "Stars and Stripes." They spend most of the story tormenting the ghost, and they do not seem to be afraid of him at all.
Washington Otis
Washington is the eldest child of the Otis family.
Mrs. Umney
Mrs. Umney works as the housekeeper at Canterville Chase. She is initially employed by the Canterville family, but she continues to work there after the Otis family buys the property and moves in.
Lord Canterville
Lord Canterville is an English aristocrat and the descendant of Sir Simon. At the start of the story, he sells his ancestral family home to the Otis family.
Rev. Augustus Dampier
A well-respected British cleric and intellectual.
Slide 9 - Slide
Duke of Cheshire
The Duke of Cheshire is a wealthy young English aristocrat who falls in love with, and eventually marries, Virginia Otis.
Hiram B. Otis
Hiram Otis is a wealthy, middle-aged American man who purchases Canterville Chase in order to live there with his family. he is a pragmatic and no-nonsense character, but he also seems to be quite a lenient father since he makes no attempt to discipline his children for unruly behavior.
Lucretia Tappan Otis (Mrs. Otis)
Lucretia is the wife of Hiram Otis, and mother to Washington, Virginia, and the twins.
Stars and Stripes (the Otis twins)
The youngest Otis children are a set of twin boys who are never named in the story, instead referred to as "Stars and Stripes." They spend most of the story tormenting the ghost, and they do not seem to be afraid of him at all.
Washington Otis
Washington is the eldest child of the Otis family.
Mrs. Umney
Mrs. Umney works as the housekeeper at Canterville Chase. She is initially employed by the Canterville family, but she continues to work there after the Otis family buys the property and moves in.
Lord Canterville
Lord Canterville is an English aristocrat and the descendant of Sir Simon. At the start of the story, he sells his ancestral family home to the Otis family.
Rev. Augustus Dampier
A well-respected British cleric and intellectual.
Slide 10 - Slide
Hiram B. Otis
Hiram Otis is a wealthy, middle-aged American man who purchases Canterville Chase in order to live there with his family. he is a pragmatic and no-nonsense character, but he also seems to be quite a lenient father since he makes no attempt to discipline his children for unruly behavior.
Lucretia Tappan Otis (Mrs. Otis)
Lucretia is the wife of Hiram Otis, and mother to Washington, Virginia, and the twins.
Stars and Stripes (the Otis twins)
The youngest Otis children are a set of twin boys who are never named in the story, instead referred to as "Stars and Stripes." They spend most of the story tormenting the ghost, and they do not seem to be afraid of him at all.
Washington Otis
Washington is the eldest child of the Otis family.
Mrs. Umney
Mrs. Umney works as the housekeeper at Canterville Chase. She is initially employed by the Canterville family, but she continues to work there after the Otis family buys the property and moves in.
Lord Canterville
Lord Canterville is an English aristocrat and the descendant of Sir Simon. At the start of the story, he sells his ancestral family home to the Otis family.
Rev. Augustus Dampier
A well-respected British cleric and intellectual.
Slide 11 - Slide
Lucretia Tappan Otis (Mrs. Otis)
Lucretia is the wife of Hiram Otis, and mother to Washington, Virginia, and the twins.
Stars and Stripes (the Otis twins)
The youngest Otis children are a set of twin boys who are never named in the story, instead referred to as "Stars and Stripes." They spend most of the story tormenting the ghost, and they do not seem to be afraid of him at all.
Washington Otis
Washington is the eldest child of the Otis family.
Mrs. Umney
Mrs. Umney works as the housekeeper at Canterville Chase. She is initially employed by the Canterville family, but she continues to work there after the Otis family buys the property and moves in.
Lord Canterville
Lord Canterville is an English aristocrat and the descendant of Sir Simon. At the start of the story, he sells his ancestral family home to the Otis family.
Rev. Augustus Dampier
A well-respected British cleric and intellectual.
Slide 12 - Slide
Stars and Stripes (the Otis twins)
The youngest Otis children are a set of twin boys who are never named in the story, instead referred to as "Stars and Stripes." They spend most of the story tormenting the ghost, and they do not seem to be afraid of him at all.
Washington Otis
Washington is the eldest child of the Otis family.
Mrs. Umney
Mrs. Umney works as the housekeeper at Canterville Chase. She is initially employed by the Canterville family, but she continues to work there after the Otis family buys the property and moves in.
Lord Canterville
Lord Canterville is an English aristocrat and the descendant of Sir Simon. At the start of the story, he sells his ancestral family home to the Otis family.
Rev. Augustus Dampier
A well-respected British cleric and intellectual.
Slide 13 - Slide
Washington Otis
Washington is the eldest child of the Otis family.
Lord Canterville
Lord Canterville is an English aristocrat and the descendant of Sir Simon. At the start of the story, he sells his ancestral family home to the Otis family.
Rev. Augustus Dampier
A well-respected British cleric and intellectual.
Slide 14 - Slide
Mrs. Umney
Mrs. Umney works as the housekeeper at Canterville Chase. She is initially employed by the Canterville family, but she continues to work there after the Otis family buys the property and moves in.
Lord Canterville
Lord Canterville is an English aristocrat and the descendant of Sir Simon. At the start of the story, he sells his ancestral family home to the Otis family.
Rev. Augustus Dampier
A well-respected British cleric and intellectual.
Slide 15 - Slide
Lord Canterville
Lord Canterville is an English aristocrat and the descendant of Sir Simon. At the start of the story, he sells his ancestral family home to the Otis family.
Rev. Augustus Dampier
A well-respected British cleric and intellectual.
Slide 16 - Slide
Rev. Augustus Dampier
A well-respected British cleric and intellectual.
Slide 17 - Slide
The Canterville Ghost Glossary
Portal: A gateway.
Barren: Infertile or unproductive.
Dreamy: Vague.
Severity: Seriousness.
Abstract: Non-realistic or theoretical.
Sensuous: Preoccupied with a material or physical response, especially of pleasure.
Phenomena
A striking or unusual person or thing.
Punctilious
Extremely attentive to, or observant of, conventions and codes of behavior.
Impresarios
A manager or director.
Cheroot
A type of cigar.
Phantasmata
A supernatural or non-material appearance.
Hominy
A type of coarsely ground corn, often used to make a traditional American dish called grits.
Gyves
A type of shackle, especially designed to be placed on a prisoner's leg.
Vermilion
A shade of brilliant scarlet red.
Phosphorescent
Displaying a tendency to glow or radiate light.
Palsy
A family of diseases that result in muscular tremors and trembling.
Falchion
A type of sword.
Perdition
Loss of one's soul; damnation.
Gibber
To make incomprehensible sounds; to try and speak without being articulate.
Insolent
Rude, insulting, or disrespectful.
Slide 18 - Slide
The Canterville Ghost Glossary
Phenomena: A striking or unusual person or thing.
Punctilious: Extremely attentive to, or observant of, conventions and codes of behaviour.
Impresarios: A manager or director.
Cheroot: A type of cigar.
Phantasmata: A supernatural or non-material appearance.
Hominy
A type of coarsely ground corn, often used to make a traditional American dish called grits.
Gyves
A type of shackle, especially designed to be placed on a prisoner's leg.
Vermilion
A shade of brilliant scarlet red.
Phosphorescent
Displaying a tendency to glow or radiate light.
Palsy
A family of diseases that result in muscular tremors and trembling.
Falchion
A type of sword.
Perdition
Loss of one's soul; damnation.
Gibber
To make incomprehensible sounds; to try and speak without being articulate.
Insolent
Rude, insulting, or disrespectful.
Slide 19 - Slide
The Canterville Ghost Glossary
Hominy: A type of coarsely ground corn, often used to make a traditional American dish called grits.
Gyves: A type of shackle, especially designed to be placed on a prisoner's leg.
Vermilion: A shade of brilliant scarlet red.
Phosphorescent: Displaying a tendency to glow or radiate light.
Palsy: A family of diseases that result in muscular tremors and trembling.
Falchion
A type of sword.
Perdition
Loss of one's soul; damnation.
Gibber
To make incomprehensible sounds; to try and speak without being articulate.
Insolent
Rude, insulting, or disrespectful.
Slide 20 - Slide
The Canterville Ghost Glossary
Falchion: A type of sword.
Perdition: Loss of one's soul; damnation.
Gibber: To make incomprehensible sounds; to try and speak without being articulate.
Insolent: Rude, insulting, or disrespectful.
Slide 21 - Slide
The Canterville Ghost Themes
Slide 22 - Slide
American and British cultures
The contradiction between cultures of the New World and the Old World runs through the story. British characters like Lord Canterville, Mrs. Umney, and the Canterville ghost himself are interested in preserving the status quo, respecting traditions, and doing things according to ceremony and rituals. They tend to possess respect for the past, and also for an individual's rank and status. The American Otis family, on the other hand, is skeptical, materialistic, and down-to-earth. They only believe in what they can see in front of them, and always look for the most direct and pragmatic way to solve a problem.
Theatricality and Performance
The Canterville Ghost can shapeshift into a number of different forms, and these manifestations are presented as if they are different characters he plays. His process of preparing to appear in a specific form is compared to an actor getting ready to play a certain part, and the pride he takes in provoking fear echoes the way an actor would hope to achieve a certain emotional effect on his audience. Wilde uses this theme of theatricality to create comedy, since it becomes clear that the ghost is not inherently terrifying: he has to make a deliberate and intentional effort to appear that way. This theme also helps to make it clear why it is hurtful to the ghost when the Otis family does not react to him, as he is compared to a failed artist who can no longer impress his audience.
Tradition and Heritage
As an ancient member of the Canterville family who still lives in the house, the Ghost represents tradition and heritage. Even though his presence can be unpleasant, it is considered to be part of the Canterville family legacy and therefore is treated with respect and deference by characters like Mrs. Umney. In fact, the number of people he has frightened over the centuries suggests that he is even a bit famous and sought-after, and that the Canterville family is likely proud of being able to say that their family legacy can be traced back for centuries. The Otis family, however, prioritizes modern convenience and ease over respecting traditions, which explains why they try to find ways to make the presence of the ghost less disruptive.
Innocence
Due to her young age, sheltered upbringing, and kind heart, Virginia Otis is a figure who represents innocence in the story. The ghost is drawn to her because he believes she will be sympathetic to his suffering, and also because he knows Virginia can help him. His sinful and corrupt past means that the Angel of Death will not listen to his pleas for peaceful rest in the Garden of Death; however, if Virginia can intercede on his behalf, he has a hope of being redeemed. Innocence is shown to be a way of lifting a curse and providing redemption.
Shame
As the ghost struggles more and more trying to strike fear into the Otis family, he begins to feel a failure and becomes ashamed of no longer being able to provoke fear. His identity has been rooted for a long time in successfully performing his role: he finds it satisfying to know that people experience intense reactions to him, and he also feels a sense of duty and obligation towards completing his ghostly tasks. When his identity is threatened, the ghost first lashes out, and then shrinks into shame and despair. Eventually, his shame turns out to be productive: it helps him to realize it is time to move on and let go of his role in order to find peace.
Money
Money is a subtle but important theme in the story; it is implied that the reason Lord Canterville needs to sell his family home to the Otis family in the first place is because he needs the money. At the time Wilde was writing, it was becoming increasingly common for English aristocrats to be suffering from economic troubles even while they owned huge houses and many valuable artifacts. In contrast, a new wave of wealthy Americans possessed plenty of cash, and were eager to purchase things that they hoped would help them to appear sophisticated. Americans would often buy artifacts and land from European aristocrats, and they would also end up marrying their daughters into noble families. While they violate many customs and traditions, the Otis family is tolerated and eventually even embraced because of the wealth they have to offer.
Peace
At first, the ghost seems very satisfied with his life creating chaos and disruption. He eventually confides that he longs for peace: he would like to be accepted into the Garden of Death, where he can rest quietly for eternity knowing his sins have been forgiven. His desire for this peace leads Virginia to help him, and once he is finally laid to rest, readers can assume that the ghost achieves the redemption and peace he has longed for.
Slide 23 - Slide
Theatricality and Performance
The Canterville Ghost can shapeshift into a number of different forms, and these manifestations are presented as if they are different characters he plays. His process of preparing to appear in a specific form is compared to an actor getting ready to play a certain part, and the pride he takes in provoking fear echoes the way an actor would hope to achieve a certain emotional effect on his audience. Wilde uses this theme of theatricality to create comedy, since it becomes clear that the ghost is not inherently terrifying: he has to make a deliberate and intentional effort to appear that way. This theme also helps to make it clear why it is hurtful to the ghost when the Otis family does not react to him, as he is compared to a failed artist who can no longer impress his audience.
Tradition and Heritage
As an ancient member of the Canterville family who still lives in the house, the Ghost represents tradition and heritage. Even though his presence can be unpleasant, it is considered to be part of the Canterville family legacy and therefore is treated with respect and deference by characters like Mrs. Umney. In fact, the number of people he has frightened over the centuries suggests that he is even a bit famous and sought-after, and that the Canterville family is likely proud of being able to say that their family legacy can be traced back for centuries. The Otis family, however, prioritizes modern convenience and ease over respecting traditions, which explains why they try to find ways to make the presence of the ghost less disruptive.
Innocence
Due to her young age, sheltered upbringing, and kind heart, Virginia Otis is a figure who represents innocence in the story. The ghost is drawn to her because he believes she will be sympathetic to his suffering, and also because he knows Virginia can help him. His sinful and corrupt past means that the Angel of Death will not listen to his pleas for peaceful rest in the Garden of Death; however, if Virginia can intercede on his behalf, he has a hope of being redeemed. Innocence is shown to be a way of lifting a curse and providing redemption.
Shame
As the ghost struggles more and more trying to strike fear into the Otis family, he begins to feel a failure and becomes ashamed of no longer being able to provoke fear. His identity has been rooted for a long time in successfully performing his role: he finds it satisfying to know that people experience intense reactions to him, and he also feels a sense of duty and obligation towards completing his ghostly tasks. When his identity is threatened, the ghost first lashes out, and then shrinks into shame and despair. Eventually, his shame turns out to be productive: it helps him to realize it is time to move on and let go of his role in order to find peace.
Money
Money is a subtle but important theme in the story; it is implied that the reason Lord Canterville needs to sell his family home to the Otis family in the first place is because he needs the money. At the time Wilde was writing, it was becoming increasingly common for English aristocrats to be suffering from economic troubles even while they owned huge houses and many valuable artifacts. In contrast, a new wave of wealthy Americans possessed plenty of cash, and were eager to purchase things that they hoped would help them to appear sophisticated. Americans would often buy artifacts and land from European aristocrats, and they would also end up marrying their daughters into noble families. While they violate many customs and traditions, the Otis family is tolerated and eventually even embraced because of the wealth they have to offer.
Peace
At first, the ghost seems very satisfied with his life creating chaos and disruption. He eventually confides that he longs for peace: he would like to be accepted into the Garden of Death, where he can rest quietly for eternity knowing his sins have been forgiven. His desire for this peace leads Virginia to help him, and once he is finally laid to rest, readers can assume that the ghost achieves the redemption and peace he has longed for.
Slide 24 - Slide
Tradition and Heritage
As an ancient member of the Canterville family who still lives in the house, the Ghost represents tradition and heritage. Even though his presence can be unpleasant, it is considered to be part of the Canterville family legacy and therefore is treated with respect and deference by characters like Mrs. Umney. In fact, the number of people he has frightened over the centuries suggests that he is even a bit famous and sought-after, and that the Canterville family is likely proud of being able to say that their family legacy can be traced back for centuries. The Otis family, however, prioritizes modern convenience and ease over respecting traditions, which explains why they try to find ways to make the presence of the ghost less disruptive.
Innocence
Due to her young age, sheltered upbringing, and kind heart, Virginia Otis is a figure who represents innocence in the story. The ghost is drawn to her because he believes she will be sympathetic to his suffering, and also because he knows Virginia can help him. His sinful and corrupt past means that the Angel of Death will not listen to his pleas for peaceful rest in the Garden of Death; however, if Virginia can intercede on his behalf, he has a hope of being redeemed. Innocence is shown to be a way of lifting a curse and providing redemption.
Shame
As the ghost struggles more and more trying to strike fear into the Otis family, he begins to feel a failure and becomes ashamed of no longer being able to provoke fear. His identity has been rooted for a long time in successfully performing his role: he finds it satisfying to know that people experience intense reactions to him, and he also feels a sense of duty and obligation towards completing his ghostly tasks. When his identity is threatened, the ghost first lashes out, and then shrinks into shame and despair. Eventually, his shame turns out to be productive: it helps him to realize it is time to move on and let go of his role in order to find peace.
Money
Money is a subtle but important theme in the story; it is implied that the reason Lord Canterville needs to sell his family home to the Otis family in the first place is because he needs the money. At the time Wilde was writing, it was becoming increasingly common for English aristocrats to be suffering from economic troubles even while they owned huge houses and many valuable artifacts. In contrast, a new wave of wealthy Americans possessed plenty of cash, and were eager to purchase things that they hoped would help them to appear sophisticated. Americans would often buy artifacts and land from European aristocrats, and they would also end up marrying their daughters into noble families. While they violate many customs and traditions, the Otis family is tolerated and eventually even embraced because of the wealth they have to offer.
Peace
At first, the ghost seems very satisfied with his life creating chaos and disruption. He eventually confides that he longs for peace: he would like to be accepted into the Garden of Death, where he can rest quietly for eternity knowing his sins have been forgiven. His desire for this peace leads Virginia to help him, and once he is finally laid to rest, readers can assume that the ghost achieves the redemption and peace he has longed for.
Slide 25 - Slide
Innocence
Due to her young age, sheltered upbringing, and kind heart, Virginia Otis is a figure who represents innocence in the story. The ghost is drawn to her because he believes she will be sympathetic to his suffering, and also because he knows Virginia can help him. His sinful and corrupt past means that the Angel of Death will not listen to his pleas for peaceful rest in the Garden of Death; however, if Virginia can intercede on his behalf, he has a hope of being redeemed. Innocence is shown to be a way of lifting a curse and providing redemption.
Shame
As the ghost struggles more and more trying to strike fear into the Otis family, he begins to feel a failure and becomes ashamed of no longer being able to provoke fear. His identity has been rooted for a long time in successfully performing his role: he finds it satisfying to know that people experience intense reactions to him, and he also feels a sense of duty and obligation towards completing his ghostly tasks. When his identity is threatened, the ghost first lashes out, and then shrinks into shame and despair. Eventually, his shame turns out to be productive: it helps him to realize it is time to move on and let go of his role in order to find peace.
Money
Money is a subtle but important theme in the story; it is implied that the reason Lord Canterville needs to sell his family home to the Otis family in the first place is because he needs the money. At the time Wilde was writing, it was becoming increasingly common for English aristocrats to be suffering from economic troubles even while they owned huge houses and many valuable artifacts. In contrast, a new wave of wealthy Americans possessed plenty of cash, and were eager to purchase things that they hoped would help them to appear sophisticated. Americans would often buy artifacts and land from European aristocrats, and they would also end up marrying their daughters into noble families. While they violate many customs and traditions, the Otis family is tolerated and eventually even embraced because of the wealth they have to offer.
Peace
At first, the ghost seems very satisfied with his life creating chaos and disruption. He eventually confides that he longs for peace: he would like to be accepted into the Garden of Death, where he can rest quietly for eternity knowing his sins have been forgiven. His desire for this peace leads Virginia to help him, and once he is finally laid to rest, readers can assume that the ghost achieves the redemption and peace he has longed for.
Slide 26 - Slide
Shame
As the ghost struggles more and more trying to strike fear into the Otis family, he begins to feel a failure and becomes ashamed of no longer being able to provoke fear. His identity has been rooted for a long time in successfully performing his role: he finds it satisfying to know that people experience intense reactions to him, and he also feels a sense of duty and obligation towards completing his ghostly tasks. When his identity is threatened, the ghost first lashes out, and then shrinks into shame and despair. Eventually, his shame turns out to be productive: it helps him to realize it is time to move on and let go of his role in order to find peace.
Money
Money is a subtle but important theme in the story; it is implied that the reason Lord Canterville needs to sell his family home to the Otis family in the first place is because he needs the money. At the time Wilde was writing, it was becoming increasingly common for English aristocrats to be suffering from economic troubles even while they owned huge houses and many valuable artifacts. In contrast, a new wave of wealthy Americans possessed plenty of cash, and were eager to purchase things that they hoped would help them to appear sophisticated. Americans would often buy artifacts and land from European aristocrats, and they would also end up marrying their daughters into noble families. While they violate many customs and traditions, the Otis family is tolerated and eventually even embraced because of the wealth they have to offer.
Peace
At first, the ghost seems very satisfied with his life creating chaos and disruption. He eventually confides that he longs for peace: he would like to be accepted into the Garden of Death, where he can rest quietly for eternity knowing his sins have been forgiven. His desire for this peace leads Virginia to help him, and once he is finally laid to rest, readers can assume that the ghost achieves the redemption and peace he has longed for.
Slide 27 - Slide
Money
Money is a subtle but important theme in the story; it is implied that the reason Lord Canterville needs to sell his family home to the Otis family in the first place is because he needs the money. At the time Wilde was writing, it was becoming increasingly common for English aristocrats to be suffering from economic troubles even while they owned huge houses and many valuable artifacts. In contrast, a new wave of wealthy Americans possessed plenty of cash, and were eager to purchase things that they hoped would help them to appear sophisticated. Americans would often buy artifacts and land from European aristocrats, and they would also end up marrying their daughters into noble families. While they violate many customs and traditions, the Otis family is tolerated and eventually even embraced because of the wealth they have to offer.
Peace
At first, the ghost seems very satisfied with his life creating chaos and disruption. He eventually confides that he longs for peace: he would like to be accepted into the Garden of Death, where he can rest quietly for eternity knowing his sins have been forgiven. His desire for this peace leads Virginia to help him, and once he is finally laid to rest, readers can assume that the ghost achieves the redemption and peace he has longed for.
Slide 28 - Slide
Peace
At first, the ghost seems very satisfied with his life creating chaos and disruption. He eventually confides that he longs for peace: he would like to be accepted into the Garden of Death, where he can rest quietly for eternity knowing his sins have been forgiven. His desire for this peace leads Virginia to help him, and once he is finally laid to rest, readers can assume that the ghost achieves the redemption and peace he has longed for.
Slide 29 - Slide
www.gradesaver.com
Slide 30 - Link
stichtingzaam-my.sharepoint.com
