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When Ghost Meets Ghost
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More by William De Morgan
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A clearer way to understand When Ghost Meets Ghost through themes, characters, and key ideas
This reading guide highlights what stands out in When Ghost Meets Ghost through 4 core themes, 5 character profiles. It is meant to help readers decide whether the book fits their taste and deepen the reading once they begin.
About this book
A quick AI guide to “When Ghost Meets Ghost”
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What the book is doing
William De Morgan's "When Ghost Meets Ghost" is a charming early 20th-century novel set in the picturesque Sapps Court, London, where the youthful Dave and Dolly Wardle navigate childhood under the eccentric guardianship of Uncle Moses and Aunt M'riar. The narrative skillfully blends the mundane realities of their tight-knit community with whimsical, often humorous, events that touch upon the supernatural and the complexities of human relationships. As a past secret resurfaces, challenging perceptions of identity and reality, the story evolves into a delightful exploration of love, memory, and the enduring echoes of the past. De Morgan infuses the tale with a nostalgic warmth, rich character studies, and subtle commentary on Edwardian societal norms, making for an engaging and reflective reading experience.
Key Themes
Memory and the Past
This theme is central, explored through the 'ghosts' of the title, which are often metaphorical representations of past events, identities, or relationships that continue to influence the present. The novel examines how memory can be unreliable, how secrets are kept, and how confronting the past is essential for present understanding and peace.
Identity and Self-Discovery
The novel explores how characters define themselves, both through their personal history and their interactions within the community. Mistaken identities and the revelation of true parentage or past lives force characters to re-evaluate who they are and who others perceive them to be. The children, Dave and Dolly, undergo a journey of self-discovery as they learn about the complexities of adulthood.
“It is a curious thing, this business of memory; it plays tricks with us, painting over the past with hues it never quite possessed.”
How does De Morgan use the 'supernatural' element in the title, and what are the various interpretations of 'ghosts' within the novel?
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