Summary After the recent incidents, the governess keeps close watch on her charges. She feels as though she could not withstand the pressure of these days if it were not for the comfort of Mrs. Grose, who apparently believes the governess’ story without reservation. Even though Mrs. Grose is a […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sections 11-12Summary and Analysis Sections 8-10
Summary At a later time, the governess has a talk with the housekeeper, when they agree that the governess couldn’t make up the story because she had given such a perfect description, even to the last detail, of the two characters. In the meantime, the governess has devoted herself to […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sections 8-10Summary and Analysis Sections 6-7
Summary Mrs. Grose accepted what the governess had to say about the appearance of the stranger without questioning anything. The governess knows what she herself is capable of to shelter her pupils, and she tells the housekeeper that the apparition was looking for little Miles. She cannot explain how she […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sections 6-7Summary and Analysis Sections 4-5
Summary After seeing the person (or apparition), the governess wonders if there was a “secret at Bly”. (Bly is the name of the country house.) She spends a good portion of the succeeding days thinking about this encounter. The shock has “sharpened all” her senses, and she fears that she […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sections 4-5Summary and Analysis Section 3
Summary As soon as the governess sees young Miles, she thinks him to possess the same exceptional qualities, with the “same positive fragrance of purity” that characterizes young Flora. She soon lets Mrs. Grose know that Miles’ dismissal must have been a cruel charge. Furthermore, she has decided to ignore […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Section 3Summary and Analysis Section 2
Summary Shortly before young Miles is to arrive home from school, the governess receives a letter from her employer. It contains an unopened letter from the headmaster of Miles’ school and a cursory note from her employer requesting her to open the letter and attend to all details. Above all, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Section 2Summary and Analysis Section 1
Summary After having come to an agreement with the uncle of the two children and fully understanding that he does not wish to be bothered in any way with the upbringing of his wards, the governess takes a carriage to the great country house. Here she meets the first of […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Section 1Summary and Analysis Prologue””
Summary A group of visitors are gathered around a fireplace discussing the possible horror of a ghost appearing to a young, innocent child. A man named Douglas wonders if one child “gives the effect another turn of the screw,” what would a story involving a ghostly visitation to two children […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Prologue””Character List
The Governess Narrator of the story, who is appointed as governess of Miles and Flora with the instructions that she never bother her employer, the children’s uncle. Flora and Miles The two children who, as orphans, are placed in the governess’ charge by their uncle. Mrs. Grose The housekeeper and […]
Read more Character ListBook Summary
In an old house on a Christmas Eve, the subject of ghosts is brought up. A man named Douglas tells of his sister’s governess, who had reported seeing apparitions some years ago; in fact, she had recorded her experience in a manuscript that he promises to send for. Upon further […]
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