Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories · Question
How does Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories develop the theme of Appearance vs. Reality?
Answer
Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde develops Appearance vs. Reality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The stories repeatedly contrast surface beauty and social polish with hidden truths, such as Lady Windermere's indiscretions masking innocence, or the beggar model's true identity in 'The Model Millionaire.'
Mr. Podgers appears as a mundane, comical figure but holds a terrifying secret; Lord Arthur's carefree exterior hides inner turmoil.
The cheerful dawn market wagons contrast with Lord Arthur's inner horror, and the 'shallow optimism of the day' is set against the 'real facts of existence.'
The ghost's terrifying appearance is undercut by the family's refusal to be frightened, revealing the power of perception and skepticism.
Evidence in the book
- I
Mr. Podgers appears as a mundane, comical figure but holds a terrifying secret; Lord Arthur's carefree exterior hides inner turmoil.
- Chapter II
The cheerful dawn market wagons contrast with Lord Arthur's inner horror, and the 'shallow optimism of the day' is set against the 'real facts of existence.'
- The Canterville Ghost
The ghost's terrifying appearance is undercut by the family's refusal to be frightened, revealing the power of perception and skepticism.
- I
The Otis family dismisses the ghost as superstition, but the supernatural events suggest otherwise.
- Chapter II
The ghost's fearsome appearance fails to intimidate the practical Otises, who treat him with mundane remedies.
- III
The ghost is tricked by a fake specter made from a turnip and bed-curtain, highlighting the gap between supernatural expectation and mundane reality.
- IV
The ghost's elaborate costumes and attempts to appear terrifying are undermined by the Otises' practical jokes, revealing the gap between his intended frightfulness and his actual impotence.
- Chapter VI
The ghost's terrifying appearance contrasts with his repentant reality, and Virginia's disappearance masks her spiritual encounter.
