Haunting Histor
What is the name of the old, gloomy mansion where the story takes place?
Canterville Chase
What is the profession of Mr. Hiram Otis?
American Ambassador
How does the way Mrs. Otis cleans the bloodstain show a difference in her approach to the supernatural?
She doesn't believe it's a real ghost and just wants the stain removed.
What does Sir Simon trip on that causes him pain at the beginning?
Something placed on the stairs (text implies a prank)
How does the story use humor to make fun of traditional ghost stories?
By showing Sir Simon's failures and the Otis family's lack of fear.
What is the nickname of the fearsome ghost who used to haunt Canterville Chase?
Shreckly Hugo
What practical solution does Mrs. Otis offer Sir Simon after his failed moaning?
Indigestion medicine.
Why might Sir Simon be surprised that Mr. Otis asks for oil for the chains?
Because ghosts are not supposed to make noise according to traditional beliefs.
What does Sir Simon use as a substitute for the bloodstain after Mrs. Otis keeps cleaning it?
Red paint (or another red substance)
What is Sir Simon's main motivation for trying to scare the Otis family?
To uphold his ghostly reputation and scare them away from the house.
What gruesome act is Sir Simon famous for, according to the legend?
Murdering his wife (details may vary)
How do the Otis twins react to Sir Simon's attempts to be scary?
They play pranks on him.
How does the Otis family's reaction to the ghost reflect a more modern and scientific view of the world?
They try to explain things logically and are not easily scared.
What do the Otis twins put under the sheets to scare Sir Simon, but end up being the ones who get scared?
A brush with a pumpkin for a head.
How might Sir Simon's frustration with the Otis family change the story in the future?
He might try more desperate or drastic measures to scare them (prediction based on character development).
Why does Sir Simon rattle his chains?
To scare people.
Why does Mr. Otis ask Sir Simon to oil his chains?
Because the noise is annoying, not because he believes in ghosts.
Imagine you are Virginia Otis. How would you react if you saw a ghost in your room?
Student creates a solution based on the story - e.g., Be curious, try to talk to it
How does Sir Simon react to the Otis family's lack of fear for his haunting attempts?
He gets frustrated and angry.
What lesson can we learn from the way the Otis family reacts to Sir Simon?
Not to judge things based on appearances and to face our fears with a logical approach.
What stain does Sir Simon keep trying to recreate on the library floor?
A bloodstain.
How is the Otis family different from what Sir Simon expects in a family moving into a haunted house?
They are not afraid and are more practical.
Based on the first chapters, how does the clash between Sir Simon's expectations and the Otis family's reactions create humor in the story?
The unexpected situations and the contrast between their beliefs are funny.
What is the overall tone of Sir Simon's attempts to scare the Otis family?
Clumsy, ineffective, and ultimately funny.
What is the main conflict in the story so far?
The clash between Sir Simon's traditional haunting methods and the Otis family's modern and practical approach.