TL;DR
A young governess takes charge of two orphans in a remote estate, facing eerie apparitions and questioning the nature of evil in Henry James' haunting novella, 'The Turn of the Screw'.
What is The Turn of the Screw about
'The Turn of the Screw' is a chilling novella by Henry James that centers on a young, inexperienced governess assigned to care for two orphaned children, Miles and Flora, at a secluded country estate. As the governess settles into her role, she begins to witness ghostly apparitions of a man and a woman. Her growing conviction that these spectral figures aim to corrupt the children drives the story into darker and more ambiguous territories. The novella is a masterful exploration of psychological horror, leaving readers uncertain whether the ghosts are real or a figment of the governess's imagination.
The Turn of the Screw 5 Key Takeaways
The Governess's Arrival
A young governess is hired to care for two orphans, Miles and Flora, at a remote country estate. She is instructed by their distant uncle not to contact him regarding the children under any circumstances.
First Sightings
The governess begins to see an unknown man and woman around the estate. Her inquiries reveal that these figures resemble Peter Quint, a former valet, and Miss Jessel, the previous governess, both of whom are deceased.
Miles's Expulsion
Miles is expelled from his boarding school for unknown reasons. The governess begins to suspect that the children are in communication with the ghosts, who seek to possess them.
Governess's Confrontation
The governess confronts Flora after seeing her interact with Miss Jessel's ghost at a lake. Flora denies seeing anything, but her behavior changes drastically, becoming hostile toward the governess.
Final Struggle
The governess decides to protect Miles from Peter Quint's ghost, leading to a tense confrontation. She ultimately holds Miles in her arms as he collapses, leaving his fate ambiguous.
Top The Turn of the Screw Quotes
- 'The story had held us, round the fire, sufficiently breathless, but except the obvious remark that it was gruesome... there was little else said about it.'
- 'It's beyond everything. Nothing at all that I know touches it.'
Who should read The Turn of the Screw?
'The Turn of the Screw' is ideal for readers who enjoy psychological horror and classic literature. It offers a deep, unsettling narrative that leaves much to interpretation, making it perfect for those who appreciate stories that provoke thought and discussion.
The Turn of the Screw Best Reviews
- 'The Turn of the Screw' is a cornerstone of psychological horror fiction, deftly balancing ambiguity and terror in a way few authors can achieve. – The Guardian
- Henry James's novella remains a brilliant, unsettling piece of literature that keeps readers questioning the nature of sanity and reality. – The New York Times
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The Turn of the Screw FAQs
What is the book 'The Turn of the Screw' about?
'The Turn of the Screw' follows a young governess tasked with caring for two orphaned children at a secluded estate, where she encounters ghostly apparitions and becomes convinced that the spirits aim to corrupt the children.
What is the main message of 'The Turn of the Screw'?
The novella explores the struggle between good and evil through the ambiguous experiences of the governess, leaving readers to question whether the supernatural occurrences are real or products of her disturbed mind.
Why is 'The Turn of the Screw' considered scary?
The novella's horror lies in its psychological ambiguity and the idea that the innocent children might be under the influence of malevolent spirits, creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread and uncertainty.