Short Fiction · Chapter
A Ghost of a Chance explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Kinsolving is distressed after Mrs. Fischer-Suympkins spreads a story of seeing a ghost carrying a hod in the Kinsolving mansion, which she sees as a malicious slight to the family's social standing. To counter this, Mrs. Bellamy Bellmore, a more prestigious guest, later claims to have seen a ghost fitting the description of a Colonial ancestor, Captain Kinsolving, thereby restoring the family's pride. The chapter explores social climbing, reputation, and the manipulation of appearances.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The ghost stories are fabricated or exaggerated to manage social reputation, highlighting the gap between appearance and truth.
Social Class and Wealth
The Kinsolvings' anxiety about their social standing and the use of a prestigious ghost to elevate their status underscore class dynamics.
Humor and Irony
The absurdity of a hod-carrying ghost and the ironic reversal with a Colonial ghost provide comedic and ironic elements.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator recounts the social maneuvering and ghost stories at Clifftop.
- Mrs. Conant
Mentioned as Mrs. Kinsolving, the hostess distressed by the hod-carrying ghost story.
- The Captain
Referenced as Captain Kinsolving, the supposed Revolutionary ancestor whose ghost is later claimed to appear.
- Johnny Atwood
Mentioned as Terence, Mrs. Kinsolving's son, who interacts with Mrs. Bellmore.
- Annie Williams
Referenced as Mrs. Bellamy Bellmore, the guest who claims to see the aristocratic ghost.
- The General
Mentioned as General Greene, under whom Captain Kinsolving supposedly served.
Key passages
“Actually, a hod !” repeated Mrs. Kinsolving, pathetically.”
Mrs. Kinsolving exclaims in distress at the mention of a hod.
Highlights her mortification over the insulting ghost story.
“The very absurdity of the thing shows her malicious intent.”
The ridiculous nature of the story proves Mrs. Fischer-Suympkins meant to be cruel.
Reveals the social rivalry and perceived malice behind the ghost tale.
“I think family ghosts so interesting!”
Mrs. Bellmore finds the idea of a family ghost fascinating.
Shows her willingness to play along with the social game.
“One advantage of those who see ghosts is that their stories can’t be disproved.”
Ghost sightings are impossible to verify or refute.
Emphasizes the theme of deception and the power of narrative.
“I shall report in the morning that I saw a ghost wearing an apron and carrying schooners of beer.”
Mrs. Bellmore jokingly threatens to invent a ghost story of her own.
Illustrates the playful manipulation of ghost lore for social ends.
“The description is that of Captain Kinsolving, of General Greene’s army, one of our ancestors.”
Mrs. Kinsolving identifies the ghost as a Revolutionary War ancestor.
Shows her relief and pride in the socially acceptable ghost story.
