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A review by epeolatrist
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Turn of the Screw is an alluring and confusing mystery that often brings more questions than answers. In one of the most classic ghost stories, Henry James accomplishes the perfect mystery. There are few things that confirm the governess's ghost sightings, other than her own visions and recollections. There is far more evidence that supports the fact that she has gone mad, in my opinion. In the end, we are left wondering whether Miles truly saw the ghost of Peter Quint or if he somehow knew of the governess's terror regarding Quint and Miss Jessel.
Henry James leaves plenty of hints in reference to motifs of sexuality, madness, terror, and malevolence. I read this for class and found it far more enjoyable than I had anticipated. Personally, I believe that the governess had gone mad from hallucinations of ghosts fueled by her loneliness and her desire to meet an attractive man, possibly the children's uncle, on the grounds (in a Jane Eyre sort of manner). Her observations of the children trying to trick and manipulate her are manifestations of her own fear and, essentially, false reactions that she has created in her own mind.
The Turn of the Screw is both fantastic and nightmarish. It is a book that will keep you constantly looking over your shoulder, fearing that you may too stumble upon Peter Quint or Miss Jessel.
Henry James leaves plenty of hints in reference to motifs of sexuality, madness, terror, and malevolence. I read this for class and found it far more enjoyable than I had anticipated. Personally, I believe that the governess had gone mad from hallucinations of ghosts fueled by her loneliness and her desire to meet an attractive man, possibly the children's uncle, on the grounds (in a Jane Eyre sort of manner). Her observations of the children trying to trick and manipulate her are manifestations of her own fear and, essentially, false reactions that she has created in her own mind.
The Turn of the Screw is both fantastic and nightmarish. It is a book that will keep you constantly looking over your shoulder, fearing that you may too stumble upon Peter Quint or Miss Jessel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Child death
Moderate: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Classism
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual content