The Turn Of The Screw Literary Analysis

Henry James’ 1898 novella, The Turn of the Screw, is a captivating and suspenseful gothic ghost story. This novel has arisen much controversy due to the question of whether or not it should be interpreted as a conventional ghost story, or rather, a psychological case study of the main character. The Turn of the Screw follows a story line about an inexperienced governess who takes charge of two orphaned children living on a rural estate known as Bly. Upon being introduced, the governess soon realizes that the job she was given may be too good to be true. This becomes evident when she detects supernatural forces that are potentially present at Bly. The forces she senses seem to be directing their supernatural energy onto the young children, Miles

This leaves uncertainties and gaps in the plot allowing the story to be evaluated on a more in-depth level. This led for multiple interpretations to arise. A popular interpretation created much controversy as to whether the story-line is truly centered around the mental instability of the governess, allowing the ghosts to actually be a figment of her imagination. This controversy can be seen when Flora runs away and the governess, along with Mrs. Grose begin to search for her. When they finally find her by the lake, there appears to be a figure staring at them from across the way. “Miss Jessel stood before us on the opposite bank exactly as she had stood the other time, and I remember, strangely, as the first feeling now produced in me, my thrill of joy at having brought on a proof. She was there, and I was justified; she was there, and I was neither cruel nor mad. She was there for poor scared Mrs. Grose, but she was there most for Flora” (James, 83). This quote proclaims the governess’ relief that she finally had evidence to confirm the existence of the spirits that were influencing the children. When she noticed Mrs. Grose and Flora happen to be staring in the direction of the ghost she was overjoyed that someone else could testify about the paranormal activity occurring. However, neither one of them ever admits to seeing anything, ultimately causing the governess to become paranoid that they are lying. This only fuels the question of whether the ghosts are mere illusions on the governess’ part, since she is the only one that admits to seeing them. There are many accusations surrounding the reason why the governess may be imagining these supernatural phenomenons. One possibly is that the governess is overwhelmed by anxiety of starting her first job so far away from her home. She may have not been prepared to take on