The Ghosts in Henry James’s the Turn of the Screw Essay

Introduction

Sitting around the fire and telling the ghost stories to each other is how The Turn of the Screw starts (James 5). It seems like a pleasant evening by the fire, but one story is so unique and specific, that makes people question the ghost’s existence. This story seems to be true to me, and even though the ghost existing is rather questionable, I believe that they were present in the reality. I will provide you with some interesting arguments, which will change your opinion.

Main text

When the governess sees the ghost for the first time, it might seem that she is insane and hallucinates (Al-Qurani 82). However, she gives so precise and detailed description, that it is hard not to believe her. Moreover, according to her words, the ghost suddenly appeared, and Mrs. Grose does not decline its existence (Klein 595). If one ghost exists in reality, the other one is also real (Klein 596). At this point, she understands that she needs to protect Miles and Flora from the evil ghosts (Al-Qurani 83). The governess is so fearless that she is not scared to face the ghost’s attacks and other consequences. It can be said that she believes in them and sees a potential threat to the children.

The governess feels that she can protect the children, as she is winning the battle against these devastating creatures. She says, “the children in especial I should fence about and save” (James 56). By these words, it shows that the governess is ready to sacrifice her life for the children. She becomes a patron and protector of the children. She is ready to support them every minute. The governess is not scared of the ghosts, she is horrified by the fact of what they can do to the children (Orr 37).

However, Mrs. Grose just gives hints and does not try to protect the children or be heroic (Orr 42). Compared to Mrs. Grose, the governance seems brave, responsible, and protective, as true patrons should be in reality. The governance’s courage is breathtaking, even though she is young, she can motivate leaders to be supportive and brave.

Peter Quint and Miss Jessel are two Evil and horrifying creatures, which might cause harm to the children. Mrs. Grose knows Mr. Quint since she can recognize him by his appearance (Klein 596). This fact proves his existence. Peter Quint is a pure Evil; he is the character who can combine all negativity in one substance. He represents the main fears of the governess; it is hard to escape from them (Al-Qurani 86).

Miss Jessel is the second ghost that appears in the novel, “Another person—this time; but a figure of quite as unmistakable horror and evil: a woman in black, pale and dreadful—with such an air also, and such a face!—on the other side of the lake” (James 130). The woman was staring at Flora, and it brought a horrifying feeling to the governess, she felt that she needed to protect the child (James 130). The governess feels that Flora needs her support and protection. Both of the ghosts appeared to be dangerous and terrifying. It seems that they try to destroy the family and take children away from the governance. But are Jessel and Quint just the ghosts or can they be referred to as people’s troubles and prejudices?

The story has a sad ending since no matter how courageous and protective the governess is she is not able to save Miles (James 230). The reason for his death is mysterious; the author of the book does not provide any explanations. “Peter Quint—you devil!”, these are the last words, which the governess heard from Miles before he died (James 234). It can be assumed that Peter Quint is the main reason for this horrifying moment. The governess also feels guilty, since she was not able to protect the child, if other characters had a higher contribution to the fight against the ghosts, the result would have been different. She could not win this fight on her own; some blood had to be spilled.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the governess showed her brave and outstanding personality, but the courage of one person is not always enough to come alive out of the fight. The governess’s responsibility and protection were effective, but other characters did not want to help her. A similar situation occurs in modern society, every person has his ghosts. The readiness to fight and support people who need help is human nature as the social animals. When somebody would need help or support, would you egoistically stay aside or would you join your beloved ones and fight until the end, as the governess did? Would you be fearless or appear to be a coward? Staying away from other people’s problems will keep you safe, but what if ghosts appear in your life? The choice is yours. Do you still not believe in ghosts? Turn around; they are behind your back.

Works Cited

Al-Qurani, Shonayfa. “Hallucinations or Realities: The Ghosts in Henry James’s the Turn of the Screw.” Studies in Literature and Language 6.2 (2013):81-87. Print.

James, Henry. The Turn of the Screw. Waiheke Island: Floating, 2009. Print.

Klein, Marcus. “Convention and Chaos in the Turn of the Screw.” The Hudson Review 59.4 (2007): 595-613.

Orr, Leonard. James’s The Turn of the Screw. London: Continuum, 2009. Print.