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Analysis of The Turn of the Screw

Apr 22, 2025

Lecture Notes: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Introduction

  • Presenter: Mark from Aistoryteller
  • Subject of Analysis: "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James, a psychological novel
  • Author Background:
    • Henry James, a key figure in the transition from realism to modernism in literature
    • Noted for psychological analysis, laying foundations for stream of consciousness novels
    • Ranked among top 100 English novels of the 20th century by Random House

Henry James's Background

  • Born in 1843, New York City
  • Family: Wealthy and well-educated; brother William James, a philosopher
  • No formal secondary education but rich in social and philosophical knowledge
  • Faced challenges in literary career, particularly in drama

Challenges in James's Life

  • Struggled with family dynamics, leading to themes in his novels
  • Unmarried, possibly struggled with sexual identity
  • Literary works were more influential posthumously

Overview of The Turn of the Screw

  • First published in 1898, considered a novella or long short story
  • Adapted into various films and TV series
  • Themes spark recurring debates, including psychological interpretations

Gothic Novel Characteristics

  • Originated in late 18th-century England
  • Elements: terror, mystery, supernatural, doom, death, haunted houses
  • "The Turn of the Screw" categorized as a gothic novel

Story Introduction

  • Narrative Structure: First-person, with multiple layers of narration
  • Begins with a Christmas Eve ghost story session
  • Douglas introduces the story of "The Turn of the Screw"
  • The manuscript involves two children and ghosts

Plot Summary

  • Setting: Victorian-era England at Bly Manor
  • Characters:
    • The unnamed governess, the protagonist
    • The master, a charming employer
    • Miles and Flora, the children
    • Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper
    • Peter Quint and the previous governess (ghosts)

Key Plot Points

  1. Governess's Arrival: Enthralled by the master, takes charge at Bly Manor
  2. School Letter: Miles expelled; governess suspects previous depravity
  3. Ghostly Apparitions: Encounters with ghosts, particularly Peter Quint
  4. Governess's Suspicion: Believes children are corrupted by ghosts
  5. Confrontation and Climax: Governess's intense protective drive
  6. Ending: Ambiguous death of Miles, unresolved plot

Interpretations

  • Historical Mainstream View: Governess as a heroic figure
  • Edmund Wilson's 1948 Essay:
    • No real ghosts; governess is mentally disturbed
    • Narrative reflects her psychological issues

Themes and Literary Techniques

  • Ambiguity and unreliable narration
  • Gothic elements with psychological depth
  • Stream of consciousness and character introspection
  • Hidden meanings and layered dialogue

Conclusion

  • "The Turn of the Screw" embodies typical characteristics of James's work
  • Continues to captivate due to its interpretative flexibility and thematic depth

These notes should provide a comprehensive overview of the lecture and serve as a study aid for understanding "The Turn of the Screw" and its significance in literary history.

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