Introduction: The humorous ghost -- The Canterville ghost / by Oscar Wilde -- The ghost-extinguisher / by Gelett Burgess -- "Dey ain't no ghosts" / by Ellis Parker Butler -- The transferred ghost / by Frank R. Stockton -- The mummy's foot / Théophile Gautier -- The rival ghosts / Brander Matthews -- The water ghost of Harrowby Hall / by John Kendrick Bangs -- Back from that bourne / Anonymous -- The ghost-ship / by Richard Middleton -- The transplanted ghost / by Wallace Irwin -- The last ghost in Harmony / by Nelson LLoyd -- The ghost of Miser Brimpson / by Eden Phillpotts -- The haunted photograph / by Ruth McEnery Stuart -- The ghost that got the button / by Will Adams -- The specter bridegroom / by Washington Irving -- The specter of Tappington / compiled by Richard Barham -- In the barn / by Burges Johnson -- A shady plot / by Elsie Brown -- The lady and the ghost / by Rose Cecil O'Neill.
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"Humorous Ghost Stories" by Dorothy Scarborough is a collection of short stories compiled and introduced in the early 20th century. The volume showcases a variety of ghost stories that emphasize the humor found in supernatural encounters, moving away from the traditional, somber portrayals of ghosts prevalent in earlier literature. The opening context establishes ghosts as whimsical characters that create laughter rather than fear, often poking fun at both themselves and their living counterparts. The beginning of this work elaborates on the evolution of ghosts in literature, highlighting the transition from serious and fearsome specters to humorous and playful ones that reflect modern individualism and societal changes. Scarborough argues that the contemporary ghost possesses much more personality, embracing humor and satire while engaging with the living in absurdly comical ways. By contrasting the grim tradition of apparitions with the lively modern spirits, the introduction sets the stage for the delightful stories that follow, suggesting that readers can expect to experience a refreshing take on ghostly tales filled with wit and charm. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 76.5 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
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