Old Household and New Owners

The Canterville Ghost

This flow traces the changing relationship between the Canterville family’s inherited world and the Otises who occupy its estate.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Warning Given in Honor A Warning Given in Honor from "The Canterville Ghost". A Warning Given in Honor A duty to disclose Lord Canterville warns Hiram about the ghost before the sale.

A Warning Given in Honor from "The Canterville Ghost". A Warning Given in Honor A duty to disclose Lord Canterville warns Hiram about the ghost before the sale.

A Warning Given in Honor A duty to disclose Lord Canterville warns Hiram about the ghost before the sale. He treats disclosure as an obligation of honor even though the family has chosen not to live in the house. A cordial disagreement Hiram rejects the warning’s implications but accepts the estate. Their exchange establishes respect between individuals even as their assumptions sharply differ.

A Reassuring Letter A Reassuring Letter from "The Canterville Ghost". A Reassuring Letter The house seems quiet The family assumes that Sir Simon has gone away after his failed excursions cease.

A Reassuring Letter from "The Canterville Ghost". A Reassuring Letter The house seems quiet The family assumes that Sir Simon has gone away after his failed excursions cease.

A Reassuring Letter The house seems quiet The family assumes that Sir Simon has gone away after his failed excursions cease. Hiram writes to Lord Canterville to share the apparent end of the haunting. A relationship renewed Lord Canterville replies with pleasure and congratulates Mrs. Otis. Their correspondence keeps the former owners connected to the house despite their physical distance from it.

A Shared Funeral A Shared Funeral from "The Canterville Ghost". A Shared Funeral The families gather Lord Canterville joins the Otises and Mrs. Umney at Sir Simon’s funeral.

A Shared Funeral from "The Canterville Ghost". A Shared Funeral The families gather Lord Canterville joins the Otises and Mrs. Umney at Sir Simon’s funeral.

A Shared Funeral The families gather Lord Canterville joins the Otises and Mrs. Umney at Sir Simon’s funeral. The old owner’s family and the new occupants share responsibility for honoring the dead. History made communal Virginia’s blossoms and the formal burial give the estate’s divided past a common ceremony. The family connection is no longer limited to sale, title, or inheritance.

During the purchase negotiations

After Sir Simon’s appearances stop

Four days after Virginia’s return