An American family, the Otises, purchase a haunted estate in England, Canterville Chase, despite warnings about its ghost, Sir Simon de Canterville. The family, particularly Mr. Otis, dismisses the ghost's existence, leading to humorous encounters. The ghost, once feared, finds himself insulted and frustrated by the family's indifference and modernity. The Otis family experiences strange occurrences, including a recurring bloodstain on the library floor, which Washington Otis, the eldest son, cleans repeatedly, only for it to reappear. The ghost attempts to frighten them but fails miserably, facing ridicule instead. His attempts to scare the family are met with practical solutions, such as Mr. Otis offering him lubricant for his chains and Mrs. Otis providing remedies for his ailments. As the ghost's efforts to reclaim his former terror fail, he becomes increasingly despondent. Virginia Otis, the youngest daughter, shows compassion towards him, sensing his loneliness and sorrow. The ghost reveals his tragic past, including the murder of his wife, Lady Eleanore, and his subsequent punishment of eternal haunting. He longs for peace and redemption, which he believes can only come through the innocence of a child. Virginia learns of a prophecy that states she must weep for the ghost's sins and pray for his soul. She agrees to help him, leading to a journey into the Garden of Death, where he can finally find rest. Virginia's act of compassion allows the ghost to be freed from his torment, and he gifts her a box of jewels before passing on. The Otis family, initially skeptical, comes to understand the ghost's plight through Virginia's experience. After the ghost's death, they hold a funeral, and Virginia receives the jewels as a token of gratitude. The story concludes with Virginia marrying the young Duke of Cheshire, reflecting on the lessons learned about love, life, and the importance of compassion. The ghost's legacy lives on through her, symbolizing the connection between the past and the present, and the enduring power of love and forgiveness.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1887 · Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Gothic · 7 chapters