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The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde Due Tuesday – April 30, 2013 Complete Ch. 1 and 2 of The Canterville Ghost. Be prepared to answer the following guided reading questions in class. You may use notes. 1. Relate the character traits of the following: Mr. Otis, Mrs. Otis, Washington Otis, Virginia Otis, the twins, and Mrs. Umney. 2. Describe the unusual change in climate as the Otis family approach their new home. 3. What is unique about the blood stain? 4. Who is Sir Simon de Canterville and what did he do? 5. Mrs. Umney suddenly makes arrangements for an increase in salary. Determine her motives for this. 6. What evidence in the story suggests the Otis family members are not concerned about a ghost even after the unique blood stains and the vision of the ghost? 7. What event causes the ghost to stand, "...quite motionless in natural indignation"? 8. After the ghost has encountered some of the family members, what are his feelings towards them and why? What does he vow to do? 9. The ghost looks back fondly on some of his achievements at Canterville. What was so gratifying about these accomplishments? 10. What present does Mr. Otis give to the ghost and why? 11. How does the ghost react to Mr. Otis’ generosity? 12. What elements of surprise create humor in these two chapters? What do these phrases have to do with the story? Analyze the word roots to help with the meanings. Explain the following:  Psychical Society  Permanence of Sanguineous Stain  Existence of phantasmat  Oblong phial  Heavy manacles  Rusty gyves  "Efficacious after one application"  "grossly insulted"  "The knave of diamonds”

14. What is ironic about the ghost’s situation? 15. Authors of humor create characters who are emotional and eccentric. How has Oscar Wilde accomplished this in his characters (including the ghost)?

Chapter 3 1. What is now happening with the blood stain? 2. What is humorous about the family’s reactions to the ghost’s efforts in frightening them? 3. Why does the ghost become phosphorescent at the sight of the twins? Define phosphorescent. 4. What foils the ghost’s plan to terrorize the family: Describe the ironic situation. Chapter 4 1. Why is the ghost in a state of depression? 2. How does Virginia’s impression of the ghost change over the course of the story? How are her feelings different from of her family? 3. What is the cause of the ghost’s shattered nerves? Chapter 5 and 6 1. What evil deed had the ghost committed as a mortal and why? 2. How did Sir Simon die? Or did he? Explain. 3. How did the ghost change the colors of the blood and why did this anger Virginia? 4. What did the ghost mean when he said the Cantervilles have “blue blood”? 5. Why is the ghost so sad? Why can’t he sleep? Chapter 7 and 8 1. How do we know Virginia is courageous and good? 2. After reading the story, what is the real conflict? 3. How was it resolved?

Final Writing Assignment: Write a soliloquy as the ghost Sir Simon. The main purpose of a soliloquy is used to acquaint the audience or the reader, the secret thoughts and/or intentions that the character is having in his mind. It also discloses the feelings, the thoughts that the character has in his mind for the others. It is very heartfelt and emotional. The character assumes he is alone and no one but the audience will hear his true feelings.

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