illustration of a ghost standing behid an iron fence with its arm raised against a large mansion

The Canterville Ghost

by Oscar Wilde

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Discussion Topic

Mrs. Umney's explanation and Mrs. Otis's request regarding the bloodstain in "The Canterville Ghost"

Summary:

Mrs. Umney explains that the bloodstain in "The Canterville Ghost" is a permanent mark left by Lady Eleanor de Canterville, who was murdered by her husband, Sir Simon. Despite Mrs. Umney's warning that the stain cannot be removed, Mrs. Otis requests its immediate cleaning, reflecting her practical, no-nonsense American attitude and disbelief in the supernatural.

Expert Answers

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What did Mrs. Umney tell the Otis family about the bloodstain on the floor in The Canterville Ghost?

Mrs. Umney tells the Otis family how the bloodstain got there, how long it has been there, and how the bloodstain can't be removed.  

Mrs. Umney tells the Otis family that the bloodstain has been in that very same spot ever since Sir Simon murdered his wife at that location in 1575.  That means the bloodstain has been on the floor for more than 300 years.  Mrs. Umney explains that the bloodstain has become a bit famous and people come to visit the Canterville Chase just to see the bloodstain.  She also explains that the stain is impossible to remove.  

"The bloodstain has been much admired by tourists and others, and cannot be removed."

Washington Otis thinks that last statement is entirely false.  He claims that his special cleaner, Pinkerton's Champion Stain Remover and Paragon Detergent, will be able to clean the stain no problem.  He immediately sets to work on the stain, and he is able to get rid of the stain completely.  

"That is all nonsense," cried Washington Otis; "Pinkerton's Champion Stain Remover and Paragon Detergent will clean it up in no time," and before the terrified housekeeper could interfere, he had fallen upon his knees, and was rapidly scouring the floor with a small stick of what looked like a black cosmetic. In a few moments no trace of the bloodstain could be seen.

Unfortunately the stain returns by the next morning.  

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In "The Canterville Ghost", what does Mrs. Otis want Mrs. Umney to do about the bloodstain?

Mrs. Otis wants Mrs. Umney to clean up and get rid of the bloodstain. 

In the first part of the story, Mrs. Umney is taking the Otis family on a brief tour of the Canterville Chase.  She leads them into the library, where tea has been set out for everybody to enjoy.  While taking the tea break, Mrs. Otis discovers the bloodstain on the floor and demands that it be cleaned up immediately.

"How horrid!" cried Mrs. Otis; "I don't at all care for blood-stains in a sitting-room. It must be removed at once."

Mrs. Umney explains that the bloodstain belongs to the former Lady Eleanore de Canterville, who was murdered by her husband.  The bloodstain has been on the floor for more than 300 years, and nobody can get rid of it. 

Washington Otis thinks that is all nonsense and pulls out some special cleaner.  Why he carries around special cleaning agents is beyond me, but I digress.  Washington drops to his knees and scrubs the floor clean.  No more bloodstain.  

"That is all nonsense," cried Washington Otis; "Pinkerton's Champion Stain Remover and Paragon Detergent will clean it up in no time," and before the terrified housekeeper could interfere, he had fallen upon his knees, and was rapidly scouring the floor with a small stick of what looked like a black cosmetic. In a few moments no trace of the blood-stain could be seen.

Unfortunately, Washington's extreme cleaning only works for that one day, because the bloodstain is back again by the following morning.  

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