The Turn of the Screw Novella by Henry James

The Turn of the Screw Novella by Henry James

The Turn of the Screw is a chilling novella by Henry James that explores themes of innocence, corruption, and the supernatural. The story follows a governess who is hired to care for two children, Miles and Flora, at the remote estate of Bly. As she becomes increasingly convinced that the spirits of former employees are haunting the estate, she struggles to protect the children from unseen malevolent forces. This psychological thriller delves into the complexities of perception and reality, making it a compelling read for fans of gothic literature and psychological horror. Ideal for literature students and enthusiasts seeking to analyze character dynamics and thematic depth.

Key Points

  • Explores themes of innocence and corruption through the characters of Miles and Flora.
  • Features a governess who encounters supernatural elements while caring for two children at Bly.
  • Examines the psychological tension between reality and perception in a gothic setting.
  • Includes significant character interactions that reveal deeper moral and ethical dilemmas.
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THE TURN OF
THE SCREW
BY
HENRY JAMES
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The Turn of the Screw
T
HE
story had held us, round the fire, sufficiently breathless,
but except the obvious remark that it was gruesome, as, on
Christmas Eve in an old house, a strange tale should
essentially be, I remember no comment uttered till somebody
happened to say that it was the only case he had met in
which such a visitation had fallen on a child. The case, I may
mention, was that of an apparition in just such an old house
as had gathered us for the occasion—an appearance, of a
dreadful kind, to a little boy sleeping in the room with his
mother and waking her up in the terror of it; waking her not
to dissipate his dread and soothe him to sleep again, but to
encounter also, herself, before she had succeeded in doing
so, the same sight that had shaken him. It was this
observation that drew from Douglas—not immediately, but
later in the evening—a reply that had the interesting
consequence to which I call attention. Someone else told a
story not particularly effective, which I saw he was not
following. This I took for a sign that he had himself
something to produce and that we should only have to wait.
We waited in fact till two nights later; but that same evening,
before we scattered, he brought out what was in his mind.
“I quite agree—in regard to Griffin’s ghost, or whatever
it was—that its appearing first to the little boy, at so tender
an age, adds a particular touch. But it’s not the first
occurrence of its charming kind that I know to have involved
a child. If the child gives the effect another turn of the screw,
what do you say to two children—?”
THE TURN OF THE SCREW
4
“We say, of course,” somebody exclaimed, “that they
give two turns! Also that we want to hear about them.”
I can see Douglas there before the fire, to which he had
got up to present his back, looking down at his interlocutor
with his hands in his pockets. “Nobody but me, till now, has
ever heard. It’s quite too horrible.” This, naturally, was
declared by several voices to give the thing the utmost price,
and our friend, with quiet art, prepared his triumph by
turning his eyes over the rest of us and going on: “It’s
beyond everything. Nothing at all that I know touches it.”
“For sheer terror?” I remember asking.
He seemed to say it was not so simple as that; to be
really at a loss how to qualify it. He passed his hand over his
eyes, made a little wincing grimace. “For dreadful—
dreadfulness!”
“Oh, how delicious!” cried one of the women.
He took no notice of her; he looked at me, but as if,
instead of me, he saw what he spoke of. “For general
uncanny ugliness and horror and pain.”
“Well then,” I said, “just sit right down and begin.”
He turned round to the fire, gave a kick to a log,
watched it an instant. Then as he faced us again: “I can’t
begin. I shall have to send to town.” There was a unanimous
groan at this, and much reproach; after which, in his
preoccupied way, he explained. “The story’s written. It’s in a
locked drawer—it has not been out for years. I could write to
my man and enclose the key; he could send down the packet
as he finds it.” It was to me in particular that he appeared to
propound this—appeared almost to appeal for aid not to
hesitate. He had broken a thickness of ice, the formation of
many a winter; had had his reasons for a long silence. The
others resented postponement, but it was just his scruples
that charmed me. I adjured him to write by the first post and
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FAQs of The Turn of the Screw Novella by Henry James

What is the main conflict in The Turn of the Screw?
The main conflict in The Turn of the Screw revolves around the governess's struggle to protect the children, Miles and Flora, from the malevolent spirits of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel. As she becomes convinced that these apparitions are influencing the children's behavior, she grapples with her own sanity and the children's innocence. The tension escalates as she tries to decipher whether the threats are real or figments of her imagination, leading to a psychological battle that questions the nature of good and evil.
Who are the main characters in The Turn of the Screw?
The main characters in The Turn of the Screw include the unnamed governess, who serves as the protagonist and narrator, and the two children, Miles and Flora. Miles is a charming but troubled boy who has been expelled from school under mysterious circumstances, while Flora is his innocent and beautiful younger sister. Other significant characters include Peter Quint, the former valet whose ghostly presence haunts Bly, and Miss Jessel, the former governess whose spirit also influences the children. Together, these characters create a complex web of innocence, corruption, and supernatural intrigue.
What themes are explored in The Turn of the Screw?
The Turn of the Screw explores several themes, including the nature of innocence and its corruption, the ambiguity of reality versus perception, and the psychological effects of isolation. The novella raises questions about the reliability of the governess as a narrator and whether the supernatural elements are real or manifestations of her mind. Additionally, it delves into the complexities of adult relationships and the impact of past traumas on the present, making it a rich text for analysis in literary studies.
How does the setting influence the story in The Turn of the Screw?
The setting of Bly, a remote and eerie estate, plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and themes of The Turn of the Screw. The isolation of the estate amplifies the governess's psychological tension and her sense of vulnerability. The gothic elements of the setting, including the decaying mansion and the surrounding landscape, contribute to the story's haunting quality and serve as a backdrop for the supernatural events. This oppressive environment heightens the sense of dread and uncertainty, reflecting the internal struggles of the characters.

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