While
conventional Ghost stories are scary and gruesome, several modern
versions are humorous. The Canterville Ghost, by Oscar Wilde, is one
of the best ghost stories written in the vein of laughing satire. The
story that you just read is another example in case. Humour arises
out of the narrator's ability to laugh at himself, clever use of
language as well as comic situations. Discuss within your groups what
makes the Shady Plot humorous. Share your views during a whole class
discussion.
While conventional Ghost stories are scary and gruesome, several modern versions are humorous. The Canterville Ghost, by Oscar Wilde, is one of the best ghost stories written in the vein of laughing satire. The story that you just read is another example in case. Humour arises out of the narrator's ability to laugh at himself, clever use of language as well as comic situations. Discuss within your groups what makes the Shady Plot humorous. Share your views during a whole class discussion.
Note:
This question is to be answered on the basis of your own
understanding, experience and thoughts. It is strongly recommended
that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a few pointers
for discussion have been provided for your reference.
The
author has a distinctive style of writing.
The
ghost story instead of being spooky, exciting and gripping is rather
amusing.
All
the characters have a lighter side to them. The narrator and his
preoccupation with ghost stories is mocked in a subtle way. He is
not scared of the ghost in his room, rather he is worried how is his
wife going to react if she sees the ghost.
Lavinia
and her spendthrift ways. Her obsession to try out new trends and
fashions.
Helen
threatens the narrator that if he did not agree to her conditions
she will stop inspiring him.
The
Ouija board party instead of being thrilling resulted in a
misunderstanding between Mr. and Mrs. Hallock.
Gladolia
the narrator’s cook, who wants leave her job for a trivial
reason, is scared of Voodoo and black magic and does not want to
work in their house.
Note: This question is to be answered on the basis of your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a few pointers for discussion have been provided for your reference.
The author has a distinctive style of writing.
The ghost story instead of being spooky, exciting and gripping is rather amusing.
All the characters have a lighter side to them. The narrator and his preoccupation with ghost stories is mocked in a subtle way. He is not scared of the ghost in his room, rather he is worried how is his wife going to react if she sees the ghost.
Lavinia and her spendthrift ways. Her obsession to try out new trends and fashions.
Helen threatens the narrator that if he did not agree to her conditions she will stop inspiring him.
The Ouija board party instead of being thrilling resulted in a misunderstanding between Mr. and Mrs. Hallock.
Gladolia the narrator’s cook, who wants leave her job for a trivial reason, is scared of Voodoo and black magic and does not want to work in their house.
