Ghosts are always not frightening

Ghost stories are meant for giving Goosebumps right?

But “The Canterville Ghost” will rather make you laugh right from the start. This story clearly showcased Oscar Wilde’s satirical flavour. With an old country house and significant unfortunate tales narrated by Mr Canterville gave a perfect atmosphere for a gothic story at the beginning but all these were foiled by the materialistic and realistic approach of the American Otis family. The only thing that they seem to believe came out from the words of Mr Otis “I have come from a modern country, where we have everything that money can buy”.

The first appearance of the 300 years old ghost was quite amusing:

“Right in front of him he saw, in the wan moonlight, an old man of terrible aspect. His eyes were as red burning coals; long grey hair fell over his shoulders in matted coils; his garments, which were of antique cut, were soiled and ragged, and from his wrists and ankles hung heavy manacles and rusty gyves.

“My dear sir,” said Mr. Otis, “I really must insist on your oiling those chains, and have brought you for that purpose a small bottle of the Tammany Rising Sun Lubricator.”

Wilde clearly refuses to take sides spares none in his witty merrymaking. The story actually made fun of the dark and scary atmosphere that typically accompanies ghost stories; here we have a ghost who is clearly out witted and terrified of the practical jokes of the twins. 

The later part shifts a bit and gives quite a beautiful ending when little Virginia felt sorry for the ghost and befriended him. At last the ghost comes to peace with himself and takes an eternal sleep. The end is quite sweet with Virginia claiming that the ghost showed her “what Life is, and what Death signifies, and why Love is stronger than both."