A Thin Ghost and Others Informative Summary

Overview:

“A Thin Ghost and Others” presents a collection of five chilling ghost stories by M.R. James, a master of the genre. The stories are set in various locations and eras, but all revolve around unsettling encounters with the supernatural.

The first story, “The Residence at Whitminster”, unfolds in 1730, focusing on the tragic death of a young boy named Frank and the subsequent disappearance of his adopted brother, Lord Saul. A strange glass object discovered in the house later reveals a terrifying glimpse into the past, suggesting the boys’ deaths were connected to a sinister secret and a vengeful presence.

Key Findings:

The stories highlight the power of the supernatural and the chilling impact it can have on human lives.
M.R. James’s unique ability to create an atmosphere of dread and unease, making the stories both entertaining and unsettling.
The exploration of the hidden histories and mysteries of English country houses and institutions, often serving as the settings for supernatural events.

Learning:

Second Sight: The stories explore the concept of second sight, a supposed ability to foresee the future. While often dismissed as superstition, M.R. James uses the idea to create an air of mystery and suspense.
- In “The Residence at Whitminster”, Lord Saul’s knowledge of the future, through the use of a crystal ball, becomes a catalyst for the tragic events that follow.
Ghosts and Apparitions: The stories deal with various types of ghosts and apparitions, from the vengeful spirits of the wronged to the spectral reminders of past sins.
- In “An Episode of Cathedral History”, the presence of a “thin ghost”, revealed during the restoration of a cathedral, serves as a chilling reminder of a dark past.
The Haunting Power of Places: M.R. James emphasizes how places themselves can be imbued with a haunting presence, even after the individuals involved are gone.
- “The Diary of Mr. Poynter” illustrates how an old pattern discovered in an ancient diary becomes the source of a terrifying encounter in a newly built manor.

Historical Context:

“A Thin Ghost and Others” was published in 1920, shortly after the end of World War I. While the stories don’t explicitly mention the war, the atmosphere of unease and uncertainty is reflective of the times.
The stories are set in various eras, from the 1700s to the 19th century, and reflect the anxieties and superstitions of those times.

Facts:

Second Sight: The concept of second sight, a supposed ability to foresee the future, was believed by many in Ireland, especially among those in rural communities.
Fox Hunting: Fox hunting was a popular pastime among the upper classes in England during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Church Bells: The ringing of church bells, specifically a passing bell, was a common practice to announce the death of a person in a community.
The Dissolution of the Monasteries: Many religious foundations, including collegiate churches, were dissolved during the English Reformation, but some survived and continued to operate.
Prebendaries: Prebendaries were clergy who held a specific endowment or revenue within a cathedral or collegiate church.
Thomas Hearne: Thomas Hearne was a famous antiquary and scholar in the early 18th century known for his work on English history and literature.
Oxford Antiquaries: Oxford was a hub for antiquarian research and scholarship during the 18th century, with many scholars and collectors forming a vibrant community.
The Gothic Revival: The Gothic Revival was a popular architectural movement in the 19th century that saw the revival of Gothic architectural styles.
Cathedral Restoration: Many cathedrals and churches underwent extensive restoration projects during the 19th century, often revealing hidden architectural features and artifacts.
The Victorian Era: The Victorian era was characterized by a fascination with the supernatural and the occult, which is reflected in the stories of M.R. James.
Edwin Drood: “Edwin Drood” is a novel by Charles Dickens, unfinished at his death. The story features a mysterious disappearance and a haunting atmosphere.
University College, Oxford: One of the oldest colleges at Oxford University, with a long and distinguished history.
Dr. Arthur Charlett: Master of University College, Oxford, in the late 17th century.
“Absalom”: The biblical figure Absalom, known for his rebellion against his father, King David, was a common biblical reference in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Dr. Plot’s History of Staffordshire: A historical work by Robert Plot, published in the late 17th century, which included a section on local folklore and natural curiosities.
The Islington Area: Islington, now a part of London, was once a rural area with a mix of country houses and farms.
The Royal Society: A prestigious scientific society founded in 1660, which promoted scientific research and knowledge.
John Milton: English poet known for his epic poem “Paradise Lost”, which includes passages about angels and demons.
The Rajah of Mysore: A ruler of the Mysore kingdom in India, known for his power and influence in the 18th century.
The Punch and Judy Show: A traditional street entertainment featuring Punch, a puppet with a mischievous and violent personality.

Statistics:

£12 10s: The price paid for Poynter’s manuscript diary.
£200 guineas: The yearly fee paid to Dr. Ashton for taking care of Lord Saul.
1710: The year the diary of William Poynter begins.
1730: The year the events in “The Residence at Whitminster” take place.
1753: The year the last entry in Dr. Ashton’s document was recorded.
1823: The year Dr. Henry Oldys took residence at the senior prebendary’s house.
1840: The year the Gothic revival restoration began at Southminster Cathedral.
1890: The year Mr. Lake documented his notes on the events at Southminster Cathedral.
1911: The year the lawyer’s papers were purchased.
1718: The year the events in “Two Doctors” begin.
Twenty years: The length of time Luke Jennett served as Dr. Abell’s servant.
Four patients: The number of patients Dr. Quinn allegedly “embezzled” from Dr. Abell.
34.14: The verse from the Book of Isaiah mentioned by Mr. Lyall, referring to the “satyr shall cry to his fellow”.
Three or four weeks: The time it took for the firm in Bermondsey to create the samples of the curtain pattern.
Six or seven times: The number of times the “crying” was heard in the Close.
Fifty years: The length of time between the events in “An Episode of Cathedral History” and Mr. Worby’s telling of the story.
19th day: A reference to the 19th day of the month, likely in connection with a liturgical calendar or a church service.
Twelve: The hour when the Southminster Cathedral was reopened after the events involving the tomb.
Two months: The amount of time Mrs. Maple said it had been since she had put the box in a particular place.
Fifteen years: The length of time Eliza had served as Mr. Bowman’s maid.

Terms:

Prebendary: A clergy member who holds a specific endowment or revenue within a cathedral or collegiate church.
Martinet: A strict disciplinarian or someone who insists on following rules and regulations rigidly.
Antiquary: A person who studies or collects ancient objects, especially coins, manuscripts, and artifacts.
Gothic Revival: A popular architectural movement in the 19th century that saw the revival of Gothic architectural styles.
Diaper: A type of patterned fabric or architectural ornamentation with a repeating geometric design.
Satyrs: Creatures from Greek mythology, often depicted as goat-like or half-goat, half-human beings.
Fauns: Roman mythological figures, similar to satyrs, often depicted as half-goat, half-human beings.
Centaurs: Mythological creatures that are part horse and part human.
Chrysalis: The inactive stage of a butterfly or moth, in which the insect undergoes metamorphosis.
Bolus: A large, round pill or medicine.

Examples:

Lord Saul’s Second Sight: Lord Saul’s ability to predict the future through a crystal ball, leading to Frank’s fear and subsequent death.
Frank’s Premonition: Frank’s warning to Lord Saul about feeling cold and his statement about using the black cockerel to “see all that could be seen” suggest the boy had a premonition of his own death.
The Ghostly Figure in the Manor: The appearance of the shadowy figure in James Denton’s room, described as being “all over hair” and resembling a human figure.
The “Crying” in the Close: The eerie sound of crying that haunts the Close, suggesting a spectral presence associated with the cathedral.
The Tomb’s Secret: The discovery of a hidden tomb under the pulpit, revealing a mysterious figure associated with a dark past.
The Torn Music Sheet: The torn piece of music paper found in the tomb, wet and black, hinting at a supernatural interaction.
The Ghostly Presence in the Punch and Judy Show: The appearance of a masked head in the Punch and Judy show, followed by a chilling cry and the disappearance of the performers.
The Owl on the Window Sill: The owl’s appearance at the end of James Denton’s dream, symbolizing an ominous presence and echoing the previous events.
Dr. Abell’s Conversations with the Rector: Dr. Abell’s discussions with the Rector about the existence of unseen beings, expressing his fascination with the supernatural.
Dr. Quinn’s Dream of the Chrysalis: Dr. Quinn’s recurring dream of a chrysalis containing his own death, highlighting the terrifying nature of his subconscious anxieties.

Conclusion:

M.R. James’s “A Thin Ghost and Others” is a chilling collection of stories that showcases his mastery of the horror genre. Through evocative settings, unsettling characters, and a sense of creeping dread, James explores the hidden corners of human experience and the ever-present threat of the unseen. The stories offer a glimpse into the darker aspects of human nature and the haunting power of the supernatural, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease and a renewed appreciation for the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding.

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