The Turn of the Screw Summary

 

Chapter 1

 

In Chapter 1 of The Turn of the Screw, the story begins with a group of friends gathered around a fire, sharing ghost stories during the Christmas season. A man named Douglas introduces the tale of a young governess who faced a harrowing experience while caring for two children at a remote estate. He claims the story is unique because the governess wrote it herself, and he possesses her manuscript. Douglas provides some context about the governess, describing her as a brave and inexperienced young woman who was hired to care for Flora and Miles, the orphaned niece and nephew of a wealthy man. The employer, who lives in London, gives strict instructions not to contact him about any issues at the estate. The suspense builds as Douglas prepares to read the governess’s account, setting the stage for a chilling and mysterious narrative filled with supernatural and psychological tension.

 

Chapter 2

 

In Chapter 2 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess begins settling into her role at Bly. She becomes enchanted by the beauty of the estate and the apparent innocence of her young charge, Flora. She also anticipates meeting Miles, who is expected to return soon. However, she receives a troubling letter from Miles’s school, stating that he has been expelled for unspecified reasons. Despite her concerns, the governess decides to withhold judgment, convinced of Miles’s innate goodness based on Flora’s angelic nature and the idyllic atmosphere of Bly. Her resolve to protect and nurture the children strengthens. This chapter deepens the governess’s initial sense of responsibility while subtly introducing an air of mystery and unease surrounding Miles. The letter foreshadows the tension between innocence and corruption that will dominate the story, laying the groundwork for the psychological and supernatural conflicts to come.

 

Chapter 3 

 

In Chapter 3 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess begins to settle into her role at Bly, taking care of Flora and anticipating the arrival of Miles, who is returning home after his expulsion from school. Despite her initial unease about the situation, she is captivated by the beauty of Bly and the charm of the children, especially Flora, whom she finds enchanting. However, the mysterious circumstances surrounding Miles’s expulsion remain unsettling, as no specific details are provided, and the letter simply deems him “too bad” for school. The governess, determined to protect and guide the children, resolves not to question Miles directly and focuses instead on her duties. The idyllic atmosphere of Bly contrasts with the underlying tension, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery. This chapter deepens the governess’s attachment to the children while hinting at the enigmatic challenges she will face.

 

Chapter 4

 

In Chapter 4 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess notices a strange man standing on top of a tower at Bly. He is described as having an unsettling appearance, with reddish hair and intense eyes. His presence is eerie, and she is struck by the fact that he appears to be staring at her. The governess is confused and unnerved, as the man vanishes without explanation. Later, she encounters him again outside a window, and his behavior reinforces her growing sense of unease. When she describes these encounters to Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper identifies the man as Peter Quint, a former valet who is now deceased. This revelation heightens the governess’s fear, as she becomes convinced that Quint’s ghost is haunting Bly and possibly influencing the children. The chapter deepens the novella’s suspense, introducing the supernatural element that will drive much of the plot’s tension.

 

Chapter 5

 

In Chapter 5 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess grows increasingly uneasy after her initial sighting of the mysterious man on the tower. While walking outside, she sees the same figure staring into the house through a window. Alarmed, she describes him to Mrs. Grose, who identifies him as Peter Quint, a former servant at Bly. Mrs. Grose reveals Quint’s troubling history, including his inappropriate influence over Miles and his scandalous behavior before his death. The governess becomes convinced that Quint’s ghost has returned with malevolent intent, specifically targeting the children. This revelation heightens her sense of responsibility to protect Miles and Flora, though Mrs. Grose remains skeptical of the supernatural. The chapter deepens the mystery, introducing the idea of Quint as a spectral presence while raising questions about his continued influence over the estate and the children, particularly Miles.

 

Chapter 6

 

In Chapter 6 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess begins to deepen her concerns about the strange occurrences at Bly. She spends more time observing Flora and the estate, becoming increasingly convinced that the children are aware of the spirits of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel. After the governess sees the figure of Peter Quint outside the window, she is struck by his intense gaze. Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper, confirms that Quint was the former valet at Bly, who had an inappropriate relationship with Miss Jessel, the previous governess. Both Quint and Miss Jessel have died, and the governess becomes alarmed by the idea that their spirits may be haunting the children, especially Flora. This chapter marks a turning point, where the governess’s fears start to take over her thoughts, and she becomes determined to protect the children from these perceived ghostly influences, though her suspicions are unverified.

 

Chapter 7

 

In Chapter 7 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess’s growing unease intensifies as she becomes more convinced of the supernatural presence at Bly. She recounts seeing the ghostly figure of Peter Quint again, this time peering through the dining room window. She describes Quint’s menacing expression and his apparent intent to observe the household.

The governess shares her fears with Mrs. Grose, who confirms Quint’s identity based on the description. Mrs. Grose reveals that Quint had a close and inappropriate relationship with the previous governess, Miss Jessel, and exerted a troubling influence over the children. This revelation strengthens the governess’s belief that the children are in danger from these malevolent spirits. Determined to protect Flora and Miles, she resolves to remain vigilant, but the chapter ends with a deepening sense of dread and ambiguity about the true nature of the threats she perceives.

 

Chapter 8

 

In Chapter 8 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess grows increasingly convinced that the ghost of Peter Quint is influencing young Miles. She discusses her suspicions with Mrs. Grose, revealing her belief that the children are aware of the ghosts and are under their control. Mrs. Grose expresses concern but struggles to accept the governess’s claims without clear evidence. Meanwhile, Miles begins displaying unsettling behavior, such as expressing a desire to return to school, which the governess interprets as a veiled challenge. She becomes more determined to protect the children and uncover the truth about their connection to the ghosts. The chapter intensifies the governess’s sense of isolation and paranoia as she feels increasingly responsible for defending the children against the malevolent supernatural presence. This chapter deepens the psychological tension and blurs the line between reality and the governess’s perceptions.

 

Chapter 9

 

In Chapter 9 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess begins to grow more convinced that the children, Flora and Miles, are being influenced by supernatural forces. She starts to notice the strange and unsettling behavior of the children, especially Miles, who is now back at Bly after being expelled from school. The governess feels an increasing sense of dread, believing that the spirits of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel are actively manipulating the children. She also becomes more aware of the psychological distance between herself and the housekeeper, Mrs. Grose, who seems to deny the possibility of anything unnatural happening. The governess is now fully committed to protecting the children from the ghosts, yet her sense of isolation grows. This chapter deepens the tension, as the governess’s fear of the supernatural is compounded by her growing suspicion that the children may know more than they let on.

 

Chapter 10

 

In Chapter 10 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess’s suspicions about the influence of the ghosts on the children deepen. She is still haunted by her encounter with Peter Quint’s apparition and is increasingly convinced that he, along with Miss Jessel, is attempting to corrupt the children. The governess reflects on her growing isolation and the mounting tension at Bly, feeling responsible for protecting the children from these malevolent spirits. She is particularly disturbed by Flora’s behavior, interpreting her composure as evidence of her complicity with the ghosts. The chapter conveys the governess’s increasing paranoia and obsession with the idea that the children are either possessed or deeply aware of the spirits’ presence. Meanwhile, Mrs. Grose, though concerned, remains skeptical and unable to fully support the governess’s claims. The tension between the governess’s vision of the supernatural and Mrs. Grose’s practical stance escalates, setting the stage for further conflict.

 

Chapter 11

 

In Chapter 11 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess becomes more convinced that the spirits of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel are influencing the children, Flora and Miles. She continues to struggle with her suspicions, but the chapter is marked by a critical event when she sees a figure of Miss Jessel by the lake, looking at Flora. The governess is shocked, feeling that Miss Jessel’s ghost is directly interacting with the child. The scene becomes more unsettling as the governess believes Flora is aware of the ghost but is deliberately hiding the truth. Despite Flora’s apparent innocence and outward behavior, the governess interprets her actions as proof of her complicity with the spirits. This chapter intensifies the governess’s paranoia and anxiety, causing her to question the children’s true nature and their connection to the supernatural, while she struggles with how to protect them from the looming danger.

 

Chapter 12

 

In Chapter 12 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess becomes more convinced that the ghosts of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel are influencing the children, particularly Flora. After the governess’s eerie sighting of Miss Jessel’s ghost near the lake, she feels an increasing sense of dread. She believes Flora is somehow connected to Miss Jessel’s spirit, sensing that the child might be hiding something about the apparitions. Flora’s apparent innocence and her reluctance to acknowledge anything supernatural only fuel the governess’s suspicion. The governess becomes obsessed with the idea that Flora is complicit in the haunting, even though Mrs. Grose insists that Flora seems perfectly innocent. This chapter marks a turning point, as the governess’s mounting paranoia leads her to confront the idea that the children might be more involved in the supernatural events than she initially realized. The tension between the governess and Flora grows.

 

Chapter 13

 

In Chapter 13 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess grows increasingly anxious about Flora, whom she now believes is involved in the supernatural happenings at Bly. After a disturbing encounter by the lake, the governess is convinced that Flora is aware of the ghostly presence of Miss Jessel. When the governess approaches Mrs. Grose, she reveals her suspicions that the children are not innocent but are somehow complicit with the ghosts of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel. Mrs. Grose remains uncertain but listens to the governess’s concerns. The governess’s anxiety intensifies, and she resolves to protect the children from the influence of the spirits, even if she has to face the ghosts directly. The chapter marks a turning point in the governess’s perception of the children, as she becomes obsessed with the idea that they are part of a malevolent supernatural conspiracy.

 

Chapter 14

 

In Chapter 14 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess becomes increasingly convinced that Flora is aware of the ghost of Miss Jessel and is complicit in some way. After Flora has a strange encounter by the lake, the governess’s suspicions grow. She sees Miss Jessel’s ghost standing near the water, and Flora’s behavior afterward seems to confirm that she is not innocent. The governess becomes more protective and watchful, but Flora remains outwardly calm and denies any connection to the ghostly figure. The governess becomes more isolated, unsure of who she can trust, and begins to question whether the children are intentionally deceiving her or if they are being manipulated by the spirits. This chapter deepens the psychological tension between the governess and the children, with the supernatural presence continuing to loom over their interactions, raising doubts about what is real and what is imagined.

 

Chapter 15

In Chapter 15 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess continues to become increasingly convinced that the ghosts of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel are influencing the children, particularly Miles. She has a growing sense of isolation and anxiety as her observations of the children’s behavior seem to confirm her suspicions. She confronts Flora, believing she is hiding something about Miss Jessel’s ghostly presence. Flora denies everything, maintaining an air of innocence, but her demeanor is unsettling to the governess. The governess becomes more determined to protect the children from the malevolent forces she believes are at work. She is unable to find clear evidence, but her fear grows, and she continues to feel that the children are in peril. The chapter builds tension and highlights the governess’s increasing paranoia, as she isolates herself further in her quest to save the children from the haunting influence she believes is controlling them.

 

Chapter 16

 

In Chapter 16 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess becomes increasingly agitated by her growing suspicions about the children’s involvement with the ghosts of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel. She is particularly disturbed by Flora, whom she believes is concealing the truth about her encounters with Miss Jessel’s ghost. While walking by the lake, the governess spots Miss Jessel’s ghost again, standing near the water. Flora, who had been playing, is later found near the same spot, but she denies any knowledge of the apparition. The governess confronts her, but Flora remains calm and unresponsive, which only deepens the governess’s sense of dread. She begins to see Flora as complicit in the haunting, but Mrs. Grose remains skeptical, claiming Flora’s innocence. The chapter highlights the governess’s increasing paranoia and isolation as she becomes more consumed by the belief that the children are under the influence of the ghosts.

 

Chapter 17

 

In Chapter 17 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess becomes increasingly concerned with Miles’s behavior, which she interprets as a sign of his connection to the ghost of Peter Quint. Miles’s actions are peculiar—he asks to return to school, yet his charm and disarming demeanor make it difficult for the governess to fully trust him. She believes he is hiding something, perhaps a deeper connection to the haunting. The chapter underscores her growing obsession with the idea that the children are possessed by the spirits of the deceased servants, Peter Quint and Miss Jessel. The governess is tormented by the thought that Miles is being corrupted by Quint’s influence, but she cannot prove it. This chapter intensifies the psychological tension, as the governess becomes more isolated in her conviction that the children are involved in dark, supernatural forces, further straining her mental state.

 

Chapter 18

 

In Chapter 18 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess grows increasingly desperate in her belief that Miles is under the influence of the ghostly figure of Peter Quint. She observes Miles’s odd behavior and feels that he is trying to hide something, though he acts with innocence. She becomes fixated on the idea that Miles is concealing his knowledge of Quint and Miss Jessel, the ghosts she believes haunt Bly. In this chapter, the governess tries to confront him about his connection to Quint, but he denies everything. Miles’s behavior confuses and unsettles her further, and she perceives a sinister presence around him, particularly when he makes a seemingly cryptic remark. The tension between them escalates as she becomes more determined to save him from the malevolent forces she believes are controlling him. This chapter heightens the psychological suspense and uncertainty surrounding the true nature of the haunting.

 

Chapter 19

 

In Chapter 19 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess becomes increasingly distressed by Miles’ behavior, which she believes is influenced by the ghost of Peter Quint. She is determined to protect him from the malevolent spirit, convinced that Quint’s influence is responsible for his moral corruption. As Miles plays the piano, the governess observes his every move, interpreting his actions as signs of his connection to the ghost. The tension between them rises, with the governess becoming more obsessive and controlling. She presses him for the truth about his relationship with Quint, but Miles remains calm and evasive, never fully admitting to anything. The governess’s mounting anxiety leads her to believe that the ghostly presence is near, and she becomes desperate to confront it. The chapter deepens the psychological tension between the governess and the children, as the line between reality and imagination becomes increasingly blurred.

 

Chapter 20

 

In Chapter 20 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess’s obsession with protecting the children from the malevolent ghosts intensifies. She becomes convinced that Miles is under the influence of Peter Quint’s spirit, which she believes is actively trying to corrupt him. After a series of eerie, unsettling events, the governess attempts to confront Miles, determined to uncover the truth. She questions him about his behavior and the strange, almost knowing way he has been acting. Despite her accusations, Miles denies any involvement with Quint or Miss Jessel’s spirits. Tension rises as the governess becomes more forceful, her sense of urgency and fear growing. The chapter highlights the increasing psychological strain on the governess, who is consumed by the belief that the ghosts are manipulating the children, and the emotional distance between her and Miles. The ambiguity of the situation grows, leaving the true nature of the haunting in question.

 

Chapter 21

 

In Chapter 21 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess becomes increasingly obsessed with her belief that the spirits of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel are manipulating the children. She is convinced that Miles is hiding something and that his behavior is directly influenced by Quint’s ghost. The governess confronts Miles, demanding that he acknowledge the presence of the ghost. Miles, however, remains calm and unresponsive, which further fuels her anxiety and paranoia. The governess’s frustration grows as she feels she cannot reach him. She becomes fixated on the idea that if she can expose the ghostly influence over Miles, she will be able to protect him. In a tense moment, she continues her pursuit, but Miles’s responses remain elusive. The chapter reflects the governess’s growing desperation and obsession, adding to the psychological tension and uncertainty that characterize the novella.

 

Chapter 22

 

In Chapter 22 of The Turn of the Screw, the governess becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea that Miles is under the influence of the ghost of Peter Quint. She confronts him about his strange behavior and his connection to Quint, believing that Miles is hiding a dark secret. The governess’s paranoia reaches its peak as she insists that Miles is complicit with the ghost, even though he denies any wrongdoing. The tension between the two escalates as she demands to know the truth. Miles, however, remains calm and evasive, refusing to confirm or deny her accusations. The governess’s insistence on his guilt intensifies her belief in the supernatural forces at play. The chapter builds suspense, with the governess’s growing certainty about the presence of malevolent spirits and her increasing fixation on the idea that the children are being controlled by the ghosts, particularly Quint.

 

Chapter 23

 

In Chapter 23 of The Turn of the Screw, the tension between the governess and the children reaches its peak. After Flora’s strange behavior and the governess’s increasing anxiety, the governess becomes convinced that Flora is hiding something. She believes Flora is in league with the ghost of Miss Jessel. The governess confronts Flora, accusing her of seeing the ghost by the lake. Flora denies it vehemently, insisting she is innocent and that the governess is mistaken. Despite her denials, Flora’s emotional breakdown causes her to be sent away with Mrs. Grose for safety, leaving the governess feeling more isolated and increasingly obsessed with the supernatural forces she believes are at work. The chapter deepens the sense of distrust and paranoia, as the governess’s conviction in her mission to protect the children grows stronger, though it is unclear whether the ghosts are real or products of her imagination.

 

Chapter 24

 

In Chapter 24, the final chapter of The Turn of the Screw, the governess confronts Miles about his relationship with the ghostly figure of Peter Quint. She demands that he admit to seeing Quint, believing that his involvement with the ghost is responsible for his recent troubling behavior. Miles, in a moment of seeming recognition, quietly acknowledges the presence of Quint, but it remains unclear whether this is a confession or a sign of his guilt. As the governess holds him, she sees the ghostly figure of Quint looming nearby. The chapter culminates in a tragic moment when Miles suddenly collapses and dies in her arms. His death is ambiguous, leaving open the question of whether his death was a result of the governess’s intense emotional distress or an actual supernatural force. The story ends with an unsettling and open-ended conclusion, raising questions about the nature of the haunting and the governess’s reliability.

Characters of the turn of the screw

 

Here are the key characters from The Turn of the Screw by Henry James:

The Governess

• Protagonist: The unnamed governess is the central character who narrates the story. She is hired to take care of two children, Flora and Miles, at the remote estate of Bly. Initially, she is idealistic and eager, but as she believes the children are being influenced by the ghosts of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel, she becomes increasingly obsessed with protecting them. Her reliability as a narrator is questionable, adding ambiguity to the story.

Flora

• The Youngest Child: Flora is a beautiful, well-behaved, and seemingly innocent child, about eight years old. However, as the governess becomes more suspicious, she believes Flora may be hiding a connection with Miss Jessel’s ghost. Flora’s behavior remains ambiguous throughout the story, and she is sent away with Mrs. Grose at the end of the novella.

Miles

• The Older Child: Miles is a charming and intelligent boy of about ten years old. He was expelled from school for an unknown reason, which raises the governess’s suspicions. Throughout the story, he behaves in a manner that seems oddly mature, and his interactions with the governess are often unsettling. In the end, he dies in her arms, after a final confrontation involving Peter Quint.

Peter Quint

• The Ghost: Peter Quint is a former servant at Bly who is believed to have had an inappropriate relationship with the previous governess, Miss Jessel. After his death, his spirit allegedly haunts the estate, influencing the children. The governess becomes convinced that he is using Miles and Flora to communicate from beyond the grave, though his ghost is only fully seen by the governess.

Miss Jessel

• The Previous Governess: Miss Jessel is the former governess at Bly, who died under mysterious circumstances. Like Peter Quint, she is believed to haunt the estate after her death. The governess believes Miss Jessel’s ghost has a malevolent influence on Flora, much as Quint is thought to affect Miles. Her ghostly appearances add to the growing tension in the story.

Mrs. Grose

• The Housekeeper: Mrs. Grose is a kind and loyal servant at Bly who acts as a confidante to the governess. While she doesn’t fully believe in the governess’s supernatural claims, she supports her and shares information about the past events at Bly, including the deaths of Miss Jessel and Peter Quint. Mrs. Grose is protective of the children, and at the end of the story, she takes Flora away from Bly after the governess’s breakdown.

The Man in the Frame (The Narrator)

• The Framing Narrator: The story is told through the perspective of an unnamed narrator who recounts the governess’s account. The narrator is a guest at a gathering where the governess’s story is shared. This framing technique creates an additional layer of ambiguity about the reliability of the governess’s narrative.

 

Themes of The Turn of the Screw

 

Here are the central themes of The Turn of the Screw by Henry James:

1. Ambiguity and Unreliable Narration

• A defining theme is the uncertainty surrounding the governess’s account. Readers are left to question whether the ghosts are real or hallucinations stemming from her psychological state. This ambiguity is key to the novella’s enduring appeal, encouraging multiple interpretations.

2. Innocence and Corruption

• The governess perceives the children, Miles and Flora, as initially innocent but later believes they are corrupted by the ghosts of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel. The story examines the fragility of innocence and the darker forces—real or imagined—that may taint it.

3. The Supernatural vs. Psychological

• The novella blurs the line between supernatural horror and psychological drama. Are the ghosts real entities haunting Bly, or are they manifestations of the governess’s repressed fears and desires? This duality drives the tension of the story.

4. Isolation and Madness

• The governess’s increasing isolation at Bly contributes to her possible descent into madness. Cut off from external validation or support, her obsession with protecting the children and confronting the ghosts becomes consuming, raising questions about her mental stability.

5. Power and Control

• The governess assumes a position of authority over the children, believing she must protect them from supernatural harm. Her actions may stem from genuine care or a desire to assert control, highlighting dynamics of power in relationships.

6. Social Class and Gender

• The novella subtly critiques the constraints of social class and gender roles in Victorian society. The governess, as a young, lower-class woman, occupies a liminal position where her authority is challenged, yet she is burdened with immense responsibility.

7. Perception and Reality

• The governess’s perspective shapes the entire narrative, but her reliability is questioned. The theme emphasizes how perception can distort reality, making readers unsure of what to believe and highlighting the subjectivity of experience.