The Canterville Ghost

"The Canterville Ghost" is a short story written by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1887. It tells the tale of an American family that moves into a haunted English mansion, Canterville Chase, which is inhabited by the ghost of Sir Simon, a former owner. The ghost, expecting to instill fear, finds instead that the pragmatic and humorous American family treats him with indifference and even kindness. This story explores themes of cultural differences, the nature of fear, and the redemptive power of compassion, using humor and satire to showcase the clash between traditional English values and American pragmatism.