Oscar Wilde

The Canterville Ghost, suivi de, De Profundis Oscar Wilde

The Ghost of Canterville features a ghost named Sir Simon and an American minister, Mr. Otis, accompanied by his family. On arrival, Lord Canterville, the former owner of the premises, warned Otis and his family that the ghost of Sir Simon haunted the castle since the latter had killed his wife Eleonore several centuries ago. However, this ghost, which has always frightened all the people who lived in this castle, does not succeed in frightening this American family which displays a resolutely modern and pragmatic attitude. The ghost exhausts all its arsenal of techniques. For example, when he grabs the Virginia painting and makes them believe that it is the blood of his wife Elenore to scare the members of the Otis family unsuccessfully. Finally, he gives up all hope of frightening them when suddenly Virginia, the daughter of Mr. Otis, speaks to the ghost and becomes his friend. Thanks to her, the ghost leaves in peace, leaving behind a box of beautiful jewels for his friend.