The Canterville Ghost, Oscar Wilde
The Canterville Ghost, Oscar Wilde
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The Canterville Ghost

Author: Oscar Wilde

Narrator: Geoffrey Giuliano, The Circle

Unabridged: 1 hr 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/09/2024


Synopsis

"The Canterville Ghost" is a novella written by Oscar Wilde. First published in 1887, it is one of Wilde's earlier works and represents a departure from his more famous comedic plays and witty social commentary. Instead, "The Canterville Ghost" is a satirical ghost story that blends humor, romance, and a touch of the macabre. The story is set in Canterville Chase, an English country house, which becomes the residence of an American family, the Otises. The ghost of Sir Simon Canterville haunts the house, but instead of frightening the new occupants, the ghost finds himself confounded by the pragmatic and skeptical American family. The Otises, rather than being scared, respond to the ghost's attempts at haunting with amusement and practical jokes.
Virginia Otis, the young daughter of the family, takes a different approach. She is compassionate and tries to help Sir Simon find peace by resolving the issues that tie him to the earthly realm. As the story unfolds, it combines moments of comedy with a deeper exploration of themes like forgiveness, redemption, and the impact of American practicality on traditional British ghostly expectations. "The Canterville Ghost" showcases Wilde's ability to infuse a story with both humor and social commentary. The novella satirizes both British and American attitudes toward the supernatural and traditional ghost stories, providing a delightful and thought-provoking reading experience. Over the years, it has become one of Wilde's more enduring and accessible works, appreciated for its wit and imaginative storytelling.

About Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin on October 16, 1854. He excelled at Trinity College in Dublin from 1871 to 1874, eventually winning a scholarship to Magdalene College in Oxford, which he entered in 1875. The biggest influences on his development as an artist at this time were Swinburne, Walter Pater, and John Ruskin.

In 1875, Wilde began publishing poetry in literary magazines. In 1876 he found himself back in Ireland when the death of his father left the family with several debts. Wilde continued writing poetry in earnest, and in 1878, he won the coveted Newdigate Prize for English poetry. He soon left Oxford to build himself a reputation among the literati in London.

During the 1880s, Wilde established himself as a writer, poet, and lecturer, but above all as a "professor of aesthetics." In 1884, he married Constance Lloyd in London. Sons soon followed: Cyril in 1885 and Vyvyan in 1886. During these years, Wilde worked as a journalist and reviewer, while also continuing with his other writing of poetry and plays. In 1890 he published his well-known story The Picture of Dorian Gray. The early 1890s were the most intellectually productive and fruitful time for Wilde. Some of his most familiar plays-including Lady Windemere's Fan and Salome-were written and performed upon the London stages. In 1893 Wilde produced A Woman of No Importance and An Ideal Husband, followed in 1894 by The Importance of Being Earnest.

Wilde's life took a turn for the worst when, in May 1895, he was convicted of engaging in homosexual acts, which were then illegal, and sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labor. He soon declared bankruptcy, and his property was auctioned off. In 1896, Wilde lost legal custody of his children. When his mother died that same year, his wife Constance visited him at the jail to bring him the news. It was the last time they saw each other. In the years after his release, Wilde's health deteriorated. In November 1900, he died in Paris at the age of forty-six.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Abrar on September 15, 2017

جميلة وممتعة ومعبرة سوف أقرأها في أقرب فرصة باللغة العربية......more

Goodreads review by Thar on June 11, 2015

"The Canterville Ghost" is not a horror book as it said on the cover but it does have something to do with ghosts. When Mr. Otis and his family (Americans) bought a house in England, Mr. Otis was warned by the owner of the house that there is the ghost of Lord Canterville for 300 years. Lord Cantervi......more

Goodreads review by Ehsan on January 06, 2020

این کتاب فوق‌العاده بود و خوندنش لذت بخش، مثل بقیه‌ی کتاب‌های سطح بندی شده آکسفورد شروعش کردم به هدف تقویت مهارت ریدینگ و لیسنینگ اما سوای این هدف محتوای بسیار جذابی داشت، امیدوارم به زودی بتونم اصل این کتاب را بخونم، نسخه اورجینال این کتاب سال ۱۸۸۷ چاپ شده در ضمن اینجا کتاب به اشتباه استیج ۴ ثبت شد......more

Goodreads review by Arthur on November 06, 2021

A 1 hour and 20 minute unabridged audiobook. What an interesting take on a ghost story. Instead of being focused on the ghosts effect on the family, it was focused on the family's effect on the ghost. I liked it.......more