A Double-Barrelled Ghost
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for his wealth and social status. However, she soon discovers that he has a dark secret: he is haunted by the ghost of his deceased wife. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the ghost is not just a figment of the husband's imagination but a real entity with its own motivations and desires. The ghost begins to exert a malevolent influence over the household, causing chaos and destruction. The protagonist, who has grown increasingly unhinged by her husband's behavior, starts to question her own sanity as she struggles to cope with the supernatural events unfolding around her.
By Israel Zangwill · First published 1895 · Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Satire · 4,496 words
First lines
I was ruined. The bank in which I had been a sleeping-partner from my cradle smashed suddenly, and I was exempted from income tax at one fell blow. It became necessary to dispose even of the family mansion and the hereditary furniture. The shame of not contributing to my country's exchequer spurred me to earnest reflection upon how to earn an income, and, having mixed myself another lemon-squash, I threw myself back on the canvas garden-chair, and watched the white, scented wreaths of my cigar-smoke hanging in the drowsy air, and provoking inexperienced bees to settle upon them. It was the sort of summer afternoon on which to eat lotus, and to sip the dew from the lips of Amaryllises; but although I had an affianced Amaryllis (whose Christian name was Jenny Grant), I had not the heart to dally with her in view of my sunk fortunes.
What this Textopian page supports
A Double-Barrelled Ghost is listed on Textopian as a novella by Israel Zangwill, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Israel Zangwill
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Satire, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 4,496 words
- Structure: 1 section, 85 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Double-Barrelled Ghost by Israel Zangwill
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Double-Barrelled Ghost?
- How does this novella by Israel Zangwill fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Comedy In Rubber by O. Henry
- An Arrow At A Venture by H. C. Mcneile
- Servants 1918 by Max Beerbohm
- Fond Hearts Askew by Max Beerbohm
- 1880 by Max Beerbohm
- The Downfall Of Mr Jabez Stiffson by Herbert Jenkins
Genres
- Comedy — The narrative is infused with humor and wit, particularly in the interactions between the protagonist and his ghostly ancestor.
- Fantasy — The story involves supernatural elements, such as the appearance of a ghost and the concept of spirits interacting with the living.
- Satire — The work satirizes literary culture and the publishing industry, as well as societal norms and expectations.
- Historical Fiction — The plot includes historical figures and settings, with references to the 18th century and its notable personalities.
Tags
Ghost Story · Mystery · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · Short Story Collection · Victorian Era · London Setting · Class Satire · Upper Class · Lower Class