Unveiling Narrative Threads: Wilde’s Spectral Tale vs. James’s Haunting Mystery

Abstract

The research delves into the distinct narrative techniques employed in the two novellas, Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost and Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw. Wilde’s work, characterised by its satirical and humorous approach to the supernatural, stands in stark contrast to James’s psychological horror narrative, which intricately weaves a web of ambiguity and suspense. The research examines the role of humour in The Canterville Ghost and its impact on the overall tone, drawing attention to Wilde’s use of satire to challenge conventional ghost story tropes. In contrast, The Turn of the Screw is explored for its psychological depth, with a focus on James’s subtle and intricate portrayal of the human psyche, leaving readers in a state of haunting disquiet. Through a comparative lens, the research seeks to uncover the ways in which these two novellas employ narrative techniques to achieve their respective effects, shedding light on the interplay between humour and horror in literature and the diverse strategies writers employ to engage readers in the realm of the supernatural.