Turn of the Screw-Plot Summary

Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw is arguably one of the most haunting ghost stories of all time. Still to this day, it leaves critics debating and there is not a clear consensus about what is true. It appears that only James himself knows the answer. The writing techniques and ambiguity through the use of characters and their relationships leave the reader questioning everything. Only the small fragments of truths, amidst daunting realisations, invalid coincidences and veiled madness; where is the line drawn in this novella?
The story is narrated by an unnamed Governess, who is sent to teach and care for two very polite children at their estate in Bly; the charismatic Miles and his charming younger sister Flora. Oddly, the uncle who hired the Governess is incredibly closed off from the children, and wants nothing to do with them, the Governess considers that it’s because he is busy but as the story progresses the Governess becomes uncertain of that theory. The Governess is only twenty and something of a romantic and although she only meets the uncle twice is completely swoon by him. Throughout the novella the reader begins to doubt the reliability of the Governess’ account of the events, as her accusations become more flawed and her sanity deteriorates. With each contradiction she makes, the narration becomes an untrustworthy “series of flights and drops”. For guidance and possibly reassurance the Governess turns to Mrs Grose the maid who has lived in the house for years and seemingly the most genuine person who has nothing to hide. However, she demonstrates a certain reluctance to allocate the Governess with information, believing wholeheartedly the children are innocent of the Governess’ claims.
Mystery within the plot lingers even before the Governess arrives. Miss Jessel, the Governess’ predecessor, had died with the cause of death unknown. None of the residents in the house speak of her other than say how she is missed dearly or how beautiful she was. Her