49 pages • 1 hour read
Noël CowardBlithe Spirit
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1941A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Blithe Spirit is a farce by Noël Coward that centers on the complications that arise when novelist Charles Condomine and his second wife Ruth host a séance to gather material for his new book, inadvertently summoning the ghost of Charles's first wife, Elvira. Chaos ensues as Charles navigates the tensions between his current wife and his mischievous spectral ex-wife, leading to a series of comedic and chaotic events.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Blithe Spirit by Noël Coward is praised for its witty dialogue, clever plot, and satirical look at the supernatural. Critics highlight its humorous exploration of marriage and the afterlife, although some find the character development lacking. Overall, it's seen as an entertaining and well-crafted comedy with sharp, timeless humor.
Who Should Read Blithe Spirit?
Fans of witty, sophisticated humor and supernatural themes will enjoy Noël Coward’s witty play Blithe Spirit. Comparable to Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest and Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, it appeals to those who appreciate clever dialogue, intricate plots, and a touch of the fantastical.
RecommendedReading Age
16+yearsBook Details
Play: Comedy / Satire
British Literature
Drama / Tragedy
Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal
Relationships: Marriage
Identity: Gender
Gender / Feminism
Grief / Death
Love / Sexuality