The Turn of the Screw: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Turn of the Screw" is a novella by Henry James that explores themes of innocence, possession, and the ambiguity of reality through the experiences of its major characters. The story is narrated by the governess, who is tasked with caring for her employer's orphaned niece and nephew, Flora and Miles. This character becomes embroiled in a struggle against malevolent apparitions—specifically, the ghosts of Miss Jessel and Peter Quint—who seem to exert a corrupting influence over the children. Miles, initially depicted as a well-behaved boy, reveals a darker side as his connection to the deceased figures comes to light. Flora serves as his innocent counterpart, ultimately being sent away for her protection.
Supporting characters include Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper who provides critical context about the apparitions and the estate's troubled past. The narrative raises questions about the reality of the supernatural elements versus the governess's psychological state, leading to ongoing debates regarding her mental health and the authenticity of the ghosts. This complex interplay of characters invites diverse interpretations, making "The Turn of the Screw" a rich subject for analysis and discussion.
The Turn of the Screw: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Henry James
First published: 1898
Genre: Novella
Locale: England
Plot: Ghost
Time: Mid-nineteenth century
The governess, from whose point of view the story is told. Employed to look after his orphaned niece and nephew by a man who makes it clear that he does not wish to be bothered about them, she finds herself engaged in a struggle against evil apparitions for the souls of the children. There has been a good deal of the “Is-Hamlet-mad?” sort of inconclusive speculation as to whether The Turn of the Screw is a real ghost story or a study of a neurotic and frustrated woman. Probably both interpretations are true: the apparitions are real, the children are indeed possessed by evil, and the governess is probably neurotic.
Miles, a little boy, one of the governess' charges. At first, he seems to be a remarkably good child, but gradually she learns that he has been mysteriously corrupted by his former governess and his uncle's former valet, whose ghosts maintain their evil control. Miles dies in the governess' arms during her final struggle to save him from some mysterious evil.
Flora, Miles's sister and feminine counterpart. The governess finally sends her away to her uncle.
Miss Jessel, the former governess, now dead. She appears frequently to the governess and to the children, who refuse to admit the appearances.
Peter Quint, the uncle's former valet, now dead. Drunken and vicious, he was also Miss Jessel's lover. The governess sees his apparition repeatedly.
Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper of the country estate where the story is set. Good-hearted and talkative, she is the source of what little concrete information the governess and the reader get as to the identities and past histories of the evil apparitions. Allied with the governess against the influence of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel, she takes charge of Flora when the child is sent to her uncle.