Selecting a Ghost. the Ghosts of Goresthorpe Gra

Name: Selecting a Ghost. the Ghosts of Goresthorpe Grange
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The narrative follows a man who, after achieving wealth from humble beginnings, becomes the owner of Goresthorpe Grange, a grand but ghostless mansion. He is deeply interested in the supernatural and longs for a ghost to inhabit his home, believing it to be a necessary element of its character. His obsession with acquiring a ghost leads him to consult his wife’s cousin, Jack Brocket, who claims he can procure one. Brocket's search for a ghost leads him to a dubious character named Mr. Abrahams, a self-proclaimed ghost dealer. Abrahams arrives at the Grange, full of eccentricity and confidence, claiming he can summon spirits. He prepares for a séance, instructing the protagonist to drink a potion called the essence of Lucoptolycus, which he claims will allow them to see the spirits. As the séance begins, the protagonist experiences a series of bizarre and terrifying apparitions, each presenting themselves with unique characteristics and demands. The first is an intangible entity that claims to be an "invisible nonentity," followed by a grotesque old woman, a noble cavalier, a ghastly creature, and a beautiful but tragic young woman. Each ghost offers to haunt the Grange, but the protagonist is horrified by their appearances and the nature of their proposals. In a moment of weakness, he chooses the beautiful young woman, but as he steps outside the protective circle drawn by Abrahams, he is abruptly awakened from his trance. He finds himself on the floor, realizing that he has been robbed during the séance. The ghost dealer has vanished, taking with him the valuable silver plate that was to be the pride of his estate. The protagonist reflects on the events, concluding that Abrahams was likely a burglar rather than a genuine ghost conjurer. He learns that the potion he consumed was actually a strong sedative, leading to his hallucinations. The experience ultimately cures him of his obsession with the supernatural, and he resigns himself to a more mundane existence, leaving behind the dreams of ghosts and grandeur.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1926 · Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Gothic Fiction · 9,386 words

First lines

I am sure that Nature never intended me to be a self-made man. There are times when I can hardly bring myself to realize that twenty years of my life were spent behind the counter of a grocer's shop in the East End of London, and that it was through such an avenue that I reached a wealthy independence and the possession of Goresthorpe Grange. My habits are Conservative, and my tastes refined and aristocratic. I have a soul which spurns the vulgar herd. Our family, the D'Odds, date back to a prehistoric era, as is to be inferred from the fact that their advent into British history is not commented on by any trustworthy historian. Some instinct tells me that the blood of a Crusader runs in my veins. Even now, after the lapse of so many years, such exclamations as "By'r Lady! " rise naturally to my lips, and I feel that, should circumstances require it, I am capable of rising in my stirrups and dealing an infidel a blow -- say with a mace -- which would considerably astonish him.

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Selecting a Ghost. the Ghosts of Goresthorpe Grange is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1926 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1926 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Gothic Fiction, Literary Fiction, Adventure
Length: 9,386 words
Structure: 1 section, 84 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The plot revolves around the supernatural and the protagonist's desire to acquire a ghost, which is a central theme.
Humor — The writing style employs satire and comedic elements, particularly in the protagonist's absurd quest for a ghost.
Gothic Fiction — The setting of Goresthorpe Grange and the exploration of ghosts align with Gothic themes of the supernatural and the eerie.
Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deeper themes of class, identity, and the absurdity of social aspirations.