1. What motivates the governess to accept such an unusual position? 2. Describe the circumstances surrounding each appearance of an apparition. 3. How does Mrs. Grose come to believe in the presence of the ghosts? 4 Why does James emphasize so strongly the sweetness and innocence of the children? 5. […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsCritical Essays Foreshadowing in The Turn of the Screw
James is a very careful artist who uses rather often and freely the technique of foreshadowing a later action. This means that he has given hints in the early parts of the novel about some important thing that is going to happen later in the story. Thus, a touch of […]
Read more Critical Essays Foreshadowing in The Turn of the ScrewCritical Essays Confidant
James wrote fiction in an era before the modern technique of the “stream-of-consciousness” was established. In the modern technique, the author feels free to go inside the mind of the character. But in James’ time, this was not yet an established technique. Since James as a novelist wanted to remain […]
Read more Critical Essays ConfidantCritical Essays Central Intelligence and Point-of-View in The Turn of the Screw
One of James’ contributions to the art of fiction is in his use of point-of-view. Point-of-view means the angle from which the story is told. For example, previous to James’ novels, much of the fiction of the day was being written from the author’s viewpoint — that is, the author […]
Read more Critical Essays Central Intelligence and Point-of-View in The Turn of the ScrewHenry James Biography
Personal Background Henry James was a true cosmopolite. He was a citizen of the world and moved freely in and out of drawing rooms in Europe, England, and America. He was perhaps more at home in Europe than he was in America, but the roots of his life belong to […]
Read more Henry James BiographySummary and Analysis Sections 23-24
Summary After Flora is gone, Miles joins the governess, and they talk about how they are alone. The governess explains that she stayed to be with and help Miles. She reminds him that she is willing to do anything for him, and he promises that he will tell her anything […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sections 23-24Summary and Analysis Sections 21-22
Summary Early the next morning, Mrs. Grose comes to the governess’ room and tells her that little Flora was “so markedly feverish that an illness was perhaps at hand.” All of Flora’s fears are directed against the governess. She is afraid of seeing her again, and pleads to be spared […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sections 21-22Summary and Analysis Sections 18-20
Summary The next day, the governess tells Mrs. Grose that the letter to the master is written, but she fails to mention that she has not yet mailed it. That day, Miles is exceptionally kind to the governess. He even volunteers to play the piano for her. Suddenly the governess […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sections 18-20Summary and Analysis Sections 16-17
Summary When the others return from church, they make no mention of the governess’ absence. At teatime, the governess questions Mrs. Grose and discovers it was little Miles’ idea that nothing be said. The governess tells how she returned to meet “a friend” (Miss Jessel) and to talk with her. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sections 16-17Summary and Analysis Sections 13-15
Summary In the ensuing days, the governess often thinks that her pupils are conspiring against her, and she wonders when they would openly admit that they know about Miss Jessel and Peter Quint. Sometimes she wants to cry out: “They’re here, they’re here, you little wretches . . . and […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sections 13-15