Turn Of The Screw Governess Insane Essay

Turn of the Screw: The Governess is Sane The governess’s sanity in Henry James’s Turn of the Screw is often disputed in literature. Because the governess sees ghosts in the novel, she is often argued as insane. The definition of sanity proves otherwise, stating that it is the “state of being sound of mind or having appropriate judgment skills” (Psychology Dictionary). The governess is sane because she behaves rationally, protects the children above all costs, and is not the only character witnessing a supernatural presence. The governess behaves in a rational manner and therefore could not be deemed insane by the widespread definition of sanity. As a sane person, the governess acts with rationality. Though she feels that the ghosts may

After the governess accuses Flora of seeing ghosts, Flora shows contempt for her. Flora claims that, “[she sees] nobody…[she thinks the governess is] cruel [and she doesn’t] like [her]” (James 71). Flora is adamant about not seeing the ghost and being accused of such upsets her. Not only does her contempt for the governess prove that she is not carrying out her duties well, but her not seeing the ghost furthers the point that the governess is insane and unreliable. However, that argument is inadequate, as Miles also has a ghostly encounter, thus, proving the governess’s sanity. Miles is touched with a supernatural presence, as proven by his reaction when the candle blows out. Though the windows are closed in Miles room, in comes “a gust of frozen air, and a shake of the room… The boy gave a loud, high shriek… ‘why, the candle’s out!’” (James 64). Though Miles later claims this as a prank of his own, he is obviously spooked by a supernatural presence, hence the scream. Because he has felt a supernatural presence and could not give a rational explanation for it, it proves that the supernatural presence is not specific to the governess, supporting her

This may be argued when Mrs. Grose yells to the governess as she stares at Miss Jessel, “‘Where on earth do you see anything?’” (James 70). Though this could be used to argue the governess’s insanity, a further look into the text would prove otherwise. Mrs. Grose says to Flora after the governess sees Miss Jessel, “‘nobody’s there-- and you never see nothing my sweet!… poor Ms. Jessel’s dead…We know don’t we, love?... It’s all a mere mistake and a worry and a joke-- and we’ll go home as fast as we can!’” (James 71). Mrs. Grose sounds shaken up and tries to escape the situation, implying that there is something making her feel threatened. This is explained by the fact that Miss Jessel truly is present. She tries to be rational by assuring both herself and Flora that Miss Jessel is dead. Though her words are directed at Flora, she is also comforting herself, trying to rationalize what has happened. If multiple people are seeing the ghost, then neither one of them can be considered less sane than the other. The governess is not the only one seeing Miss Jessel, thus, refuting the argument that she could be considered insane or unreliable. The governess is clearly a sane and reliable narrator because she is rational in her behavior, protects the children at all costs, and is not the only character feeling a supernatural presence. Because the governess displays overall rational