Sri Venkateshwar International School

Sector -18, Dwarka, New Delhi- 110077

English - Class X
A Shady Plot
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elsie Brown (1870–1965) was an American writer known for her short stories. She wrote in a
light-hearted and humorous style, often mixing ordinary life with supernatural elements.
In “A Shady Plot,” she uses comedy and irony to make a ghost story feel fun rather than
scary. The way she writes makes the story entertaining, with funny conversations,
unexpected twists and playful exaggerations. Her style keeps readers interested and
amused, even when dealing with ghosts and Ouija boards.

KEY THEMES

‘A Shady Plot’ is a humorous ghost story that explores supernatural elements while focusing
on everyday life experiences. The story combines mystery, humour and irony to highlight
different aspects of life and relationships.

Below are the key themes found in the story:

The struggles of a writer:

The story humorously explores the challenges faced by writers when trying to find
inspiration. The protagonist struggles to write a ghost story, but he has no ideas. He waits for
inspiration but feels stuck. Showing how writers suffer under pressure from publishers to
write successful stories.

Supernatural vs. reality:

The story humorously presents ghosts as organised workers who help writers write ghost
stories. Helen, the ghost, reveals that she and other spirits secretly assist writers but are
now on strike because of too many disturbances from Ouija board users.

Influence of trends:
The story shows how people quickly adopt new trends without thinking about their effects.
Lavinia buys a Ouija board just because it’s popular and insists on keeping it, even when
John tries to convince her otherwise.

Communication and misunderstandings:

The story highlights how people often jump to conclusions without knowing the full truth.
When the Ouija board spells out the name Helen, Lavinia assumes John is hiding
something.
A Shady Plot uses supernatural and real-life situations in a fun way. It makes readers laugh,
while also showing the struggles of writers and the impact of miscommunication and trends
in society.

SUMMARY
The narrator, John Hallock, is a ghost story writer. He is a bookkeeper by profession and a
writer by vocation. One day, he is asked by Jenkins, his publisher, to write a new ghost
story, as readers are eagerly awaiting his next work. As John sits, contemplating what to
write, a ghost named Helen appears. She materializes gradually, part by part, like a cartoon
forming on a movie screen. Once fully formed, she expresses anger at being summoned at
odd hours. Helen reveals that she has been the one supplying him with ideas and plots for
his ghost stories. She explains that she was once a writer herself and is now part of a group
of deceased writers called “The Writer’s Inspiration Bureau.” This group helps struggling
writers by planting ideas in their minds, provided their minds are soft enough to accept new
impressions.
Initially, the Bureau members were doing this willingly, but lately, they have stopped. They
are exhausted from being constantly summoned by people, using Ouija boards. She warns
him if this practice does not stop immediately, John would no longer receive any assistance
in writing ghost stories. John is shocked and worried. Just then, John’s wife, Lavinia, enters
and announces that she has bought a Ouija board. Though John pleads with her not to use
it, she refuses to listen.
The next day, when John returns home, the maid Gladolia informs him that Lavinia has
organized a Ouija board party that evening, and he is expected to attend. He is dressed up
to look presentable and joins the guests—mostly elderly women from Lavinia’s Book Club.
Each pair has a Ouija board. As Laura Hinkle’s partner is absent, John is asked to pair with
her.
When the Ouija board begins to move, John suspects Laura of manipulating it. Suddenly,
the board spells out “T-r-a-i-t-o-r.” The spirit instructs Laura to ask John what the word
means. The spirit introduces herself as Helen. Other guests also claim that their boards have
received messages from Helen. Lavinia becomes suspicious and looks at John angrily.
Embarrassed and confused, John leaves the room.
Lavinia sleeps in the guest room that night and, the next morning, declares that she is
leaving for her grandmother’s house and that her lawyer will contact him.
Upset and alone in his study, John is visited once more by Helen’s ghost. She has come to
find out when Lavinia plans to dispose of the Ouija board. At the same time, the maid
Gladolia announces that she is quitting, unwilling to stay in a house where black magic is
practiced.
Lavinia then enters, dressed for travel and carrying a packed suitcase. When she sees
Helen, she tries to get rid of her. Meanwhile, Gladolia is outside, waiting to leave. Lavinia
instructs her to burn the Ouija board. Suspicious, Lavinia demands to know who is hiding in
the room. Helen responds, introducing herself as Helen of Troy—New York. She waves
goodbye and vanishes. Lavinia, now convinced and reassured, forgives her husband. John,
in turn, finds an excellent plot for his next ghost story.

Q1. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.
I hadn’t the shade of an idea, but at the time that didn’t worry me in the least. You see,
I had often been like that before and in the end things had always come my way - I
didn’t in the least know how or why. It had all been rather mysterious.

(a) Why was Mr Hallock, the writer in the story, not have an idea about?
(b) What had been mysterious for the narrator?
(c) Identify the phrase that indicates that the writer in the story was clueless.
(d) Why was Mr Hallock not worried?

Q2. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(a) What does Ouija board in ‘A Shady Plot’ symbolise?
(b) How does John Hallock earn his living?
(c) What kind of a woman and wife was Lavinia?
(d) John Hallock could never displease Jenkins. Why?
(e) Why did the spirit in the Ouija boards call Hallock a traitor?

Q3. Answer the following questions in 100-120 words each.

(a) How does Helen’s appearance in the party make Lavinia get rid of her superstitious
belief in Ouija Board?
(b) How does the lesson ‘A Shady Plot’ remind us that man has no right to invoke
supernatural powers through Ouija boards, Tarot cards, etc. to solve his problem and
that one should face life boldly and overcome difficulties using wit and intelligence?