The Turn of the Screw

The Turn of the Screw
Author: Henry James
Publisher: Aegitas
Total Pages: 120
Release: 2024-08-22
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0369411692

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a classic ghost story that continues to captivate readers over a century after its initial publication. Set in the late 19th century, the novella follows a young governess who is hired to care for two young children, Flora and Miles, at the remote and eerie Bly Manor. As the governess begins her duties, she becomes increasingly convinced that the manor is haunted by the spirits of the previous governess, Miss Jessel, and her lover, Peter Quint, who both died under mysterious circumstances. The story unfolds as the governess tries to protect the children from the malevolent ghosts, while also questioning her own sanity and the motives of the children in their interactions with the spirits. One of the most intriguing aspects of The Turn of the Screw is its unreliable narrator. The story is told through the perspective of the governess, whose mental state and perceptions of events are constantly called into question. This creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, leaving readers to question whether the ghosts are real or just figments of the governess's imagination. James masterfully plays with the theme of perception and reality, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions about the events at Bly Manor. Another striking element of the novella is its use of Gothic elements. The isolated location, the decaying mansion, and the presence of ghosts all contribute to the eerie atmosphere of the story. James also incorporates psychological horror, as the governess's fears and paranoia intensify throughout the story, building tension and suspense. The Turn of the Screw is a prime example of Gothic literature, with its exploration of the dark side of human nature and the blurred lines between the living and the dead. One of the most controversial aspects of the novella is its ambiguous ending. The governess's final confrontation with the ghosts and the fate of the children are left open to interpretation, inviting readers to ponder the true meaning of the story. Some critics argue that the ghosts are a product of the governess's overactive imagination, while others believe that they are real and that the children are in danger. This open-ended conclusion has sparked countless debates and interpretations, making The Turn of the Screw a thought-provoking and enduring piece of literature. In addition to its literary merits, The Turn of the Screw also offers insight into the societal norms and expectations of the time period in which it was written. James explores themes of gender roles and class distinctions through the character of the governess, who is expected to be subservient and obedient to her male employer and to maintain the social hierarchy between herself and the children. The story also touches on the taboo subject of sexual relationships, particularly in regards to the ghosts and their influence on the children. Ultimately, The Turn of the Screw is a haunting and enigmatic work that continues to captivate readers with its complex characters, Gothic atmosphere, and thought-provoking themes. It is a testament to Henry James's mastery of storytelling and his ability to create a sense of unease and suspense that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for anyone interested in Gothic literature, psychological thrillers, or the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural.

Study Guide to The Turn of the Screw and Daisy Miller by Henry James

Study Guide to The Turn of the Screw and Daisy Miller by Henry James
Author: Intelligent Education
Publisher: Influence Publishers
Total Pages: 151
Release: 2020-06-28
Genre: Study Aids
ISBN: 1645421996

A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for selected works by Henry James, a renowned American-British author. Titles in this study guide include The Turn of the Screw and Daisy Miller. As an author of the nineteenth-century, James’s writing bridged the gap between literary realism and literary modernism. Moreover, James is considered a master of ghost stories, and the Turn of the Screw remains one of the most popular of the genre. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Henry James’s classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons they have stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains: - Introductions to the Author and the Work - Character Summaries - Plot Guides - Section and Chapter Overviews - Test Essay and Study Q&As The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.

Daisy Miller

Daisy Miller
Author: Henry James
Publisher: Broadview Press
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2011-11-14
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 155111030X

Henry James’s Daisy Miller was an immediate sensation when it was first published in 1878 and has remained popular ever since. In this novella, the charming but inscrutable young American of the title shocks European society with her casual indifference to its social mores. The novella was popular in part because of the debates it sparked about foreign travel, the behaviour of women, and cultural clashes between people of different nationalities and social classes. This Broadview edition presents an early version of James’s best-known novella within the cultural contexts of its day. In addition to primary materials about nineteenth-century womanhood, foreign travel, medicine, philosophy, theatre, and art—some of the topics that interested James as he was writing the story—this volume includes James’s ruminations on fiction, theatre, and writing, and presents excerpts of Daisy Miller as he rewrote it for the theatre and for a much later and heavily revised edition.

The Turn of the Screw Illustrated

The Turn of the Screw Illustrated
Author: Henry James
Publisher:
Total Pages: 170
Release: 2021-04-21
Genre:
ISBN:

The Turn of the Screw is an 1898Horrornovella by Henry James that first appeared in serial format in Collier's Weekly magazine (January 27 - April 16, 1898). In October 1898 it appeared in The Two Magics, a book published by Macmillan in New York City and Heinemann in London. Classified as both gothic fiction and a ghost story, the novella focuses on a governess who, caring for two children at a remote estate, becomes convinced that the grounds are haunted.

Approaches to Teaching Henry James's Daisy Miller and The Turn of the Screw

Approaches to Teaching Henry James's Daisy Miller and The Turn of the Screw
Author: Kimberly Capps Reed
Publisher: Modern Language Assn of Amer
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2005
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9780873529211

Offers a variety of approaches to teaching two of Henry James's most frequently taught novellas, and includes a number of essays that provide a critical analysis of his works, critical texts to use in the classroom, biographical information, and teaching resources.

In the Cage

In the Cage
Author: Henry James
Publisher: Hesperus Press
Total Pages: 128
Release: 2023-12-01
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1780940807

In this small masterpiece of unrequited love, Henry James, as in his greatest novels, depicts a moral consciousness torn between emotional impulses and the demands of society. Working in a post office in Mayfair, a young woman is exposed to the cryptic but alluring correspondence of the social elite, and in particular, to lines written by the dashing Captain Everard. As she memorizes the messages he telegraphs, she becomes increasingly attracted to the life described to her, fixated by scandal and gossip a world apart from her ordinary existence.

New Essays on 'Daisy Miller' and 'The Turn of the Screw'

New Essays on 'Daisy Miller' and 'The Turn of the Screw'
Author: Vivian R. Pollak
Publisher: CUP Archive
Total Pages: 182
Release: 1993-11-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9780521426817

Specifically designed for undergraduates, the series will be a powerful resource for anyone engaged in the critical analysis of major American novels and other important texts.

The Bostonians

The Bostonians
Author: Henry James
Publisher:
Total Pages: 280
Release: 1921
Genre: Boston (Mass.)
ISBN: