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Welcome to the whimsical world of John Hallock, a reluctant ghost story writer who stumbles into supernatural shenanigans, domestic drama, and creative chaos.
About the Story
Elsie Brown’s A Shady Plot combines humor, the supernatural, and satire to explore themes of creativity, marital misunderstandings, and society's obsession with the paranormal. The story follows John Hallock, a writer struggling with inspiration, who encounters a peculiar ghost named Helen. Her announcement of a "Writer’s Inspiration Bureau" strike brings an amusing twist to his literary woes.
But John's troubles don’t end there! His wife Lavinia brings home a Ouija board, sparking a cascade of misunderstandings, hilarious séances, and ghostly revelations.
Summary:
"A Shady Plot" by Elsie Brown is a humorous short story that satirizes the world of writing and the supernatural. The story follows John Hallock, a writer asked by his publisher to produce a ghost story, despite not specializing in the genre. The narrative takes a comical turn when John accidentally summons a ghost named Helen, who is part of 'The Writer's Inspiration Bureau.' Helen informs him that they are going on strike due to overuse of Ouija boards by writers seeking inspiration. This results in a series of chaotic and amusing situations, including a party with a Ouija board that leads to misunderstandings.
Critically, "A Shady Plot" is a witty and clever exploration of the creative process and the desperation of writers to find inspiration. It pokes fun at the superstitions and eccentricities often associated with writers and their creative rituals. The story also highlights the absurdity of relying on supernatural means to find ideas, with Ouija boards being a symbol of this irrational pursuit.
Elsie Brown employs humour and irony effectively in the narrative, creating an entertaining and light-hearted atmosphere. The characters, especially the ghost Helen, add depth and quirkiness to the story. However, the plot can be seen as somewhat predictable, as the outcome is foreshadowed early in the story when John is asked to write a ghost story. Additionally, the resolution of the strike is abrupt, and some readers may have expected a more intricate or surprising conclusion.
In summary, "A Shady Plot" is an enjoyable and humorous story that offers a playful critique of the writing process and the use of supernatural elements for creative inspiration. While it may lack some narrative complexity, its comedic elements and satirical approach make it an engaging read for those looking for a light-hearted literary experience.
"A Shady Plot" by Elsie Brown: Numerical and Sequential Summary
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John Hallock is tasked with writing a ghost story by his publisher, Jenkins.
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Jenkins emphasizes the need for a chilling supernatural tale that will captivate the readers.
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John agrees to write the ghost story as requested by Jenkins.
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John struggles to come up with an idea for the ghost story.
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He has a history of being able to write ghost stories, despite not specializing in the genre.
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John attempts to focus on writing the ghost story but becomes distracted by mundane thoughts and concerns.
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Frustrated, John sarcastically contemplates the writing process out loud.
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A mysterious voice responds, expressing delight in the writing process.
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John is startled by the voice and looks around to find its source.
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He notices a ghostly figure forming in the room.
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The ghostly figure is described as a long, angular woman with peculiar features and attire.
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The ghost introduces herself and questions John's staring.
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John attempts to engage in a conversation with the ghost.
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The ghost reveals that she was summoned because John had been seeking help to write a story.
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John acknowledges having sought inspiration but did not intend to summon a ghost.
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The ghost informs John that she and others are going on strike, refusing to assist writers in generating ideas.
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John is puzzled and tries to comprehend the implications of the strike.
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The ghost explains that writers have been overly dependent on supernatural assistance and need to rely on their own creativity.
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The ghost discloses her past as a writer and her role in the afterlife as part of 'The Writer's Inspiration Bureau.'
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She clarifies that she was assigned to help John with his writing.
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The ghost emphasizes the detrimental effect of Ouija board users on the availability of inspiration.
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John promises not to use Ouija boards and seeks to negotiate with the ghost to continue helping him write.
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The ghost leaves, and John realizes the challenge he faces without supernatural assistance.
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The following day, Lavinia, John's wife, acquires a Ouija board.
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Lavinia is excited about using the Ouija board to enhance John's writing process.
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John panics, knowing the consequences of using the Ouija board according to the ghost's warning.
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Lavinia invites her friends over for a Ouija board party.
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Reluctantly, John participates in the party with the Ouija board.
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During the party, strange messages are spelled out, leading to confusion and panic.
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The messages seem to accuse John of being a traitor and mention a person named Helen.
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John attempts to divert the focus and maintain control of the situation.
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The ghost Helen briefly materializes, confirming her earlier warning.
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The party ends in chaos and bewilderment.
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John is left alone, frustrated by the events.
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The next day, Lavinia decides to leave John and moves out.
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John is devastated by the turn of events.
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He wishes he had never encountered the ghost, Helen.
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Helen reappears and blames John for the troubles he faces.
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John struggles to cope with the situation and contemplates the impact on his life.
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Helen delivers a final warning about Ouija boards before disappearing.
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The story ends on a note of uncertainty and reflection for John Hallock.
Key Highlights
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Genre: Supernatural Comedy
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Themes:
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The whimsical struggle for inspiration
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Marital misunderstandings and trust
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Satirical take on superstition and societal trends
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Notable Characters:
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John Hallock: A writer grappling with writer’s block and ghostly interference.
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Lavinia: John’s wife, an enthusiast of the latest trends, including Ouija boards.
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Helen: The sharp-tongued ghost who’s had enough of overwork and meddling humans.
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Genre: Supernatural Comedy
A Shady Plot is a unique blend of the supernatural and comedy, a genre where ghostly elements intertwine with light-hearted humor. Instead of delivering spine-chilling scares, the story uses ghosts and paranormal activities to provoke laughter and reflect human quirks. The narrative unfolds through hilarious misunderstandings, witty dialogues, and satirical scenarios, making it a refreshing take on the traditional ghost story.
Themes Explored in Depth
1. The Whimsical Struggle for Inspiration
The story highlights the challenges faced by creative individuals, especially writers, in finding inspiration. John Hallock, the protagonist, is a writer plagued by "writer's block," a universal struggle for those in creative fields. Ironically, he depends on supernatural assistance from the "Writer’s Inspiration Bureau" for his ghost stories. Helen, the ghost, reveals that they scout for writers in desperate need of ideas and feed them inspiration.
However, the humor lies in Helen's frustration as she declares a strike, exasperated by Ouija board fanatics who have overburdened her. This satirical portrayal of a writer's desperate search for creativity pokes fun at the unpredictable and often absurd sources of inspiration.
2. Marital Misunderstandings and Trust
The story delves into the dynamics of John’s marriage with Lavinia, his spirited and fad-loving wife. Their relationship is marked by love but also fraught with misunderstandings. When Lavinia buys a Ouija board and organizes a séance party, John is horrified. Things take a turn for the worse when Helen's name appears during the session, leading Lavinia to suspect John of infidelity.
The comedic tension escalates as John tries to hide Helen’s ghostly presence while reassuring Lavinia, creating a series of humorous yet relatable marital conflicts. Through this, the story underscores the importance of trust and communication in relationships, albeit in a comical and exaggerated way.
3. Satirical Take on Superstition and Societal Trends
Elsie Brown satirizes societal obsessions with the supernatural and the absurdities of human behavior. Lavinia's fascination with the Ouija board reflects a broader trend of people seeking thrill or guidance through paranormal means. The depiction of the séance party, with elderly women eagerly using Ouija boards to "contact spirits," is both humorous and a critique of blind faith in such practices.
Helen, the ghost, embodies the ultimate satire—she’s not a terrifying spirit but a disgruntled worker fed up with the demands of humans. Her witty complaints about overwork and her exasperation with Ouija enthusiasts humorously deconstruct traditional ghost stereotypes.
Notable Characters
1. John Hallock: The Writer with Ghostly Troubles
John is the story's protagonist, a writer who reluctantly specializes in ghost stories. His sarcastic and self-deprecating humor adds a comedic touch to his struggles with inspiration and his attempts to manage both his ghostly "muse" and his skeptical wife.
John's encounters with Helen reveal his dependence on the supernatural for creativity, and his efforts to navigate the chaos created by Lavinia's Ouija board party highlight his wit and resourcefulness. Despite his flaws, John’s relatable struggles and comical reactions make him an endearing character.
2. Lavinia: The Trend-Loving Wife
Lavinia is John’s vibrant and strong-willed wife, characterized by her fascination with new trends, like the Ouija board. She brings both conflict and humor to the story with her impulsive actions, such as organizing a séance party without considering its implications for John.
Though initially portrayed as stubborn and quick to jump to conclusions, Lavinia’s ultimate acceptance of Helen’s presence shows her underlying warmth and open-mindedness. Her playful and dynamic personality adds to the story’s charm.
3. Helen: The Overworked Ghost
Helen, the ghost, is the most unconventional character in the story. She is long, angular, and equipped with sharp wit and a sarcastic demeanor. Helen’s annoyance with her human clients, her humorous grievances about overwork, and her complaints about Ouija board enthusiasts make her a standout figure.
Far from being a scary or malevolent spirit, Helen is a relatable character who brings humor and humanity to the supernatural. Her demand for better "working conditions" in the afterlife is both amusing and a clever metaphor for human struggles with workload and boundaries.
This detailed exploration of the key highlights shows how A Shady Plot uses humor and supernatural elements to craft a memorable and insightful narrative. It’s a story that, while light-hearted, subtly critiques societal norms and personal relationships in a way that resonates with readers of all ages.
Why Read This Story?
“A Shady Plot” delights readers with its quirky characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a light-hearted exploration of universal themes. Whether you're a fan of ghost stories or enjoy a satirical take on human foibles, Elsie Brown's story is sure to entertain.
Share your thoughts on this ghostly comedy in the comments! And remember—before you summon your muse, check if they’re on strike!
Fill In the Blanks Questions.
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Helen, the ghost, announces a __________ from helping writers in the story.
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Jenkins, the character mentioned, urges Hallock to write a __________ story.
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Hallock's initial task is to write a story that will give the readers __________.
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The character, __________, advises Hallock to stop seeking assistance for writing.
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Helen was a writer in her __________ life before becoming a ghost.
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The ghost Helen states that using __________ has led them to abandon haunting.
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Lavinia, John's wife, buys a __________ to aid John in writing his stories.
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The guests at the party use __________ for communicating with the supernatural.
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John becomes increasingly __________ as the story unfolds due to the chaos caused by the Ouija board.
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The story ends with an __________ fate for John, leaving readers in suspense.
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Here are the answers to the fill in the blanks questions:
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strike
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ghost
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"the horrors"
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Helen, the ghost
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previous
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Ouija boards
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Ouija board
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Ouija boards
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frantic
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ambiguous
Here are 20 questions related to the story "A Shady Plot" by Elsie Brown:
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Who is the protagonist of the story, and what is his profession?
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What task is the protagonist assigned by Jenkins, and why?
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How does the protagonist feel about writing ghost stories initially?
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How does the protagonist try to come up with a ghost story idea?
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Describe the appearance of the ghost that the protagonist encounters.
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How does the ghost introduce herself to the protagonist?
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Why is the ghost upset and declares a strike?
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What is the purpose of the strike declared by the ghostly writer?
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How does the ghost explain her transition from a writer to a ghost?
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What event prompts the ghost to visit the protagonist again?
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How does the Ouija board play a role in the story's development?
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Why is the protagonist worried about his wife's newfound interest in the Ouija board?
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What happens at the Ouija board party in the protagonist's house?
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What is the misunderstanding regarding the name "Helen" at the Ouija board party?
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How does Gladolia, the maid, react to the Ouija board and the events in the house?
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What happens to the ghost at the end of the story?
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How does the protagonist react to his wife's departure and the ghost's departure?
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What is the central theme of the story?
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How does humour contribute to the storytelling in "A Shady Plot"?
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In what way does the story explore the challenges and creative process of writing?
Here are the answers to the questions along with the questions themselves for reference:
1. Question: Who is the protagonist of the story, and what is his profession?
Answer: The protagonist is John Hallock, and he is a writer.
2. Question: What task is the protagonist assigned by Jenkins, and why?
Answer: The protagonist is assigned to write a ghost story by Jenkins to cater to the public's demand for supernatural tales.
3. Question: How does the protagonist feel about writing ghost stories initially?
Answer: The protagonist is initially indifferent or nonchalant about writing ghost stories.
4. Question: How does the protagonist try to come up with a ghost story idea?
Answer: The protagonist tries to come up with a ghost story idea by staring at the ceiling and waiting for inspiration.
5. Question: Describe the appearance of the ghost that the protagonist encounters.
Answer: The ghost is described as long, angular, with big fishy eyes, wearing big bone-rimmed spectacles, and having hair in a tight wad at the back of her head.
6. Question: How does the ghost introduce herself to the protagonist?
Answer: The ghost introduces herself by appearing in sections and ultimately completing her form in front of the protagonist.
7. Question: Why is the ghost upset and declares a strike?
Answer: The ghost is upset because the living keep bothering them for assistance, especially through Ouija boards. This leads them to declare a strike and refuse to provide more ideas for stories.
8. Question: What is the purpose of the strike declared by the ghostly writer?
Answer: The purpose of the strike is to protest against being frequently disturbed for story ideas by the living and to put an end to the misuse of Ouija boards.
9. Question: How does the ghost explain her transition from a writer to a ghost?
Answer: The ghost explains that she used to be a writer in her previous life, but due to overwork and pressure, she turned into a ghostly form.
10. Question: What event prompts the ghost to visit the protagonist again?
Answer: The event that prompts the ghost to visit the protagonist again is the protagonist's wife bringing a Ouija board into the house.
11. Question: How does the Ouija board play a role in the story's development?
Answer: The Ouija board becomes a central element in the story as it leads to misunderstandings, comical situations, and the revelation of the ghost's identity.
12. Question: Why is the protagonist worried about his wife's newfound interest in the Ouija board?
Answer: The protagonist is worried because he fears the Ouija board might attract the ghost and cause further complications, especially since he's already had an encounter with the ghost.
13. Question: What happens at the Ouija board party in the protagonist's house?
Answer: The Ouija board party becomes chaotic as the ghost interacts with the Ouija board, spelling out messages that create confusion and hilarity among the guests.
14. Question: What is the misunderstanding regarding the name "Helen" at the Ouija board party?
Answer: The misunderstanding is that the Ouija board spells out "Helen," but it refers to the ghost's previous identity and not the popular historical figure Helen of Troy.
15. Question: How does Gladolia, the maid, react to the Ouija board and the events in the house?
Answer: Gladolia is scared of the Ouija board and refers to it as a "hoodoo." She is frightened by the supernatural events in the house.
16. Question: What happens to the ghost at the end of the story?
Answer: At the end of the story, the ghost dematerializes and waves farewell to the protagonist, signifying her departure.
17. Question: How does the protagonist react to his wife's departure and the ghost's departure?
Answer: The protagonist initially feels relief that both his wife and the ghost are gone, allowing him to focus on his writing again.
18. Question: What is the central theme of the story?
Answer: The central theme revolves around creativity, inspiration, the writing process, and the unexpected and humorous encounters in a writer's life.
19. Question: How does humour contribute to the storytelling in "A Shady Plot"?
Answer: Humour is infused through witty dialogues, comical situations, and exaggerated character portrayals, adding a light-hearted and entertaining dimension to the story.
20. Question: In what way does the story explore the challenges and creative process of writing?
Answer: The story explores the struggles of a writer in finding inspiration and the humorous situations that can unfold during the creative process, highlighting the challenges and surprises inherent in writing.