AP English: Literature and Composition Name___________________

Major Works Data Sheet

Biographical information about the author:

Title: Turn of the Screw
Author: Henry James
Date of Publication:1898
Genre: gothic romance
Historical information about the period of
publication: The novel sets place in the last
years of the Victorian Era. The social structure
that was present during the Victorian Era
greatly comes into play in The Turn of the
Screw. The class system in Britain at the time
was extremely rigid and encompassed a
distinct hierarchy; with the wealthy aristocrats
on top, and poor at the bottom. Furthermore,
during this time period, woman were supposed
to clean, cook, and raise the children. They
also had to be pure.
Henry James was born on April 15, 1843 in New
York City. He went to Harvard, but realized law
was not for him. During this time, he traveled to
Europe many times and started taking a serious
interest in literature and writing. In 1878 he wrote
his first novel, Watch and Ward. James was
intrigued with the supernatural, social class, and
human behavior. He encompassed each of these
elements in most of his work. He wrote Turn of
The Screw in 1898.
Characteristics of the genre: The genre of Turn
of the Screw is that of a gothic romance. It can also
be perceived as a gothic romance satire. The novel
was written when this genre was revived in
England. Some aspects of a gothic novel include: a
heroine who is inexperienced and young, a castle
or old mansion as the setting, and a mystery
including supernatural elements.

Plot summary: The Turn of the Screw is a tale about a young governess who is hired in Essex by a
man looking after his niece and nephew. Due to the death of their parents, he recently has taken on
this responsibility; yet has no interest in taking care of them. As a result the governess is given full
charge of two children; Miles, and Flora. Despite the charm and gentleness Miles conveys, he was
expelled from his school which causes the governess distress. Yet, that issue seems inconsequential
when the governess starts seeing ghosts around the grounds. With Mrs. Grose guidance, the
governess believes the ghosts to be Miss Jessel and Peter Quint; two people who were very close to
Miles and Flora before they died. Even though nobody else seems to see the ghosts, the governess is
positive that Miles and Flora know they are there. As the story continues, it appears to the governess
that Miles and Flora are in cahoots with the ghosts. However, when she accuses Flora, she denies it
and refuses to talk to the governess again. Consequently, Flora is sent to her uncle’s house; leaving
the governess solely with Miles. That night, the ghost of Peter Quint appears and Miles dies soon
after in the governess’ arms.
Major Works Data Sheet
Describe the author’s style: The author’s style
is very ambiguous. James leaves many questions
unanswered which results in much debate about
the novel itself. Furthermore he was fascinated
by human nature and intertwined this in his
writing.
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An example that demonstrates the
style: Is The Turn of the Screw merely a
ghost story encompassed by the
traditional elements of a gothic novel? Or
is it really a study of governess’ mental
frame, and a question of mental stability.

Memorable Quotes
Quote Significance

"We were alone with the quiet This is the last quote in the novel. This quote is
day, and his little heart, significant because its ambiguity and lack of finishing
dispossessed, had stopped." detail causes debate. This is a result of the several
interpretations one came take of it.

"There were plenty of people to
help, but of course the young lady
who should go down as governess
would be in supreme authority."
This quote conveys the power the governess is given.
Yet, with great power comes great responsibility. This
alone may be the reason why the governess feels so
protective of her charges and has a motherly tone
towards Miles and Flora.

"Then again I shifted my eyes-I This quote is stated by the governess the first time she
faced what I had to face." sees the ghost of the Jessel.

"I'm rather easily carried away." This quote is stated by the governess. It potentially
discredits the believability of the governess and
promotes the idea that she is possibly mad.
Major Works Data Sheet Page 3
Characters
Name Role in the story Significance Adjectives
The Governess The Protagonist Protector and mentor for the two Responsible,
charges in the houses, Flora and curious, educator,
Miles. The only one who sees imaginative,
the ghost that appear at the heroine.
house.

Mrs. Grose Servant, and ally of Mrs. Gross is the only one the
the governess Governess can confide in with Patient,
the weird things that are understanding,
happening at the manor, she as companion,
well, looks after the charges and respectful, gullable.
loves them deeply.

Miles The governess’ Expelled from school, and never

charge talks about his past, causing Charming,
much distress for the governess agreeable,

Flora The governess’ Flora is the governess primary Pretty, sweet,

other charge charge. The governess has a loving
deeper connection with Flora
than Miles. However, it is
broken after she accuses Flora of
seeing a ghost.

Peter Quint Ghost He used to be a former employee Free, smart,

at Bly. Had a relationship with haunting
the children.

Miss Jessel Ghost The previous governess of the Beautiful, young.

children.
Major Works Data Sheet
Setting
The Victorian Era is the time period of the novel.
Furthermore, Essex and Bly are the places in
which the novel is set. The grounds are very
gothic-romance-esque; being very old and
resembling a castle to an extent.
Symbols
In The Turn of the Screw, a primary symbol is
light. Light symbolizes danger and safety alike.
Fading light and/or twilight represent danger
while safety is conveyed by candlelight.
Moreover evil and bad thoughts are symbolized
by the apparitions of the ghosts.
Possible Themes
• The battle between good and evil
• The corruption of innocence
• The destructive nature of heroism
• Sexual fears and repression
• Insanity and the destructive power of the human mind
• The unreliability of vision and perception
• Class structure and fear of the underclass
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Significance of the opening scene
The opening scene is significant because it
set the basic stage for the novel. It presents
the reader with some knowledge about the
governess who is deemed the protagonist. It
also gives the reader insight into who she is
as a person and what her responsibilities
may entail.
Significance of the ending/closing scene
The ending scene is significant for different
reasons depending on one’s interpretation of
it. The story ends with Miles heart stopping.
However, it is left up to the reader to decide
if James meant that as death, or just a
sudden stop due to the ghost induced fright.
If he did die, then is the governess
responsible for his death?
Old AP Questions