The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Name: The Turn of the Screw
Author: Henry James

A governess is hired to care for two orphaned children, Miles and Flora, at a remote estate called Bly. The governess is initially enchanted by the beauty of the estate and the children, but soon begins to experience strange occurrences and feels a sense of unease. She learns that the previous governess, Miss Jessel, and the children's former valet, Peter Quint, both died under mysterious circumstances. As the governess becomes more attuned to the children's behavior, she suspects that they are being influenced by the spirits of Miss Jessel and Quint. Flora appears innocent and sweet, while Miles exhibits a more complex demeanor, suggesting he may be hiding something. The governess's suspicions deepen when she sees apparitions of the two deceased individuals, leading her to believe they are trying to corrupt the children. The governess confronts Miles about his expulsion from school, which he has not disclosed. He reveals that he has been in contact with Quint, who has been manipulating him. The governess becomes increasingly desperate to protect the children from these malevolent influences. As tensions rise, Flora's health deteriorates, and the governess realizes that she must take action. She decides to write to the children's uncle, seeking his intervention. However, Miles's behavior becomes more erratic, and the governess struggles to maintain control over the situation. In a climactic confrontation, the governess faces the spirits of Miss Jessel and Quint, leading to a tragic resolution. The story explores themes of innocence, corruption, and the supernatural, leaving readers questioning the nature of reality and the boundaries between life and death. Ultimately, the governess's efforts to protect the children may lead to unforeseen consequences, as the true nature of the relationships at Bly is revealed.

By Henry James · First published 1898 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Literary Fiction · 24 chapters · 48,989 words

First lines

I remember the whole beginning as a succession of flights and drops, a little seesaw of the right throbs and the wrong. After rising, in town, to meet his appeal, I had at all events a couple of very bad days -- found myself doubtful again, felt indeed sure I had made a mistake. In this state of mind I spent the long hours of bumping, swinging coach that carried me to the stopping place at which I was to be met by a vehicle from the house. This convenience, I was told, had been ordered, and I found, toward the close of the June afternoon, a commodious fly in waiting for me. Driving at that hour, on a lovely day, through a country to which the summer sweetness seemed to offer me a friendly welcome, my fortitude mounted afresh and, as we turned into the avenue, encountered a reprieve that was probably but a proof of the point to which it had sunk. I suppose I had expected, or had dreaded, something so melancholy that what greeted me was a good surprise. I remember as a most pleasant impression the broad, clear front, its open windows and fresh curtains and the pair of maids looking out; I remember the lawn and the bright flowers and the crunch of my wheels on the gravel and the clustered treetops over which the rooks circled and cawed in the golden sky. The scene had a greatness that made it a different affair from my own scant home, and there immediately appeared at the door, with a little girl in her hand, a civil person who dropped me as decent a curtsy as if I had been the mistress or a distinguished visitor. I had received in Harley Street a narrower notion of the place, and that, as I recalled it, made me think the proprietor still more of a gentleman, suggested that what I was to enjoy might be something beyond his promise.

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The Turn of the Screw is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry James, dated 1898 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Henry James
Date: 1898 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Literary Fiction, Ghost Story, Mystery
Length: 48,989 words
Structure: 24 chapters, 733 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Gothic Fiction — The novel features elements of horror, supernatural occurrences, and psychological tension typical of Gothic literature.
Psychological Thriller — The narrative explores the mental states of characters, creating suspense and ambiguity regarding their perceptions and motivations.
Literary Fiction — The book is characterized by its complex themes, rich language, and deep character exploration, aligning with literary fiction conventions.
Ghost Story — The presence of ghosts and the exploration of their impact on the living are central to the plot.