The Turn of the Screw [Norton Critical Edition]

A young governess receives a position in which she will look after a girl and, when he is home from school, a boy without contacting their guardian uncle at all. The governess is nervous and sleep-deprived, but Flora and Miles seem to be perfect little children and everything goes smoothly - until the governess begins seeing ghosts who - she is certain - want her young charges.

*SPOILERS* The ambiguity of the story (are there really ghosts, or is the governess insane?) lends itself well to multiple readings and indeed I found my reading much changed this time around. I first read this short story for a college class, and found it is just as horrifying as a reread. This time, instead of being scared of the ghosts, I was more terrified by show more the governess herself - her strange turns of thought, her sudden adamance and certainty about the ghosts purpose even when no one else can see them, and finally the sinister ending. show less

An incredible blend of Gothic and Realism, "Turn of the Screw" sends the reader into a tailspin, questioning what is real and what is moral.

The only thing more fun than reading this enthralling (though somewhat confusticating) novella is reading ABOUT it. The critical articles included in this volume (as well as those in the first edition) represent much of the best and most entertaining thoughts on what James is up to here. My favorite is the one which suggests that Mrs. Grose, the illiterate housekeeper, is the mastermind behind all of the messy ghost business. Clever!

Be prepared to be a bit muddled by the language of Henry James’ seminal ghost story. The Victorian rhetoric is quite genuine and while certainly not Chaucer it prevents the modern reader from zipping along to follow the plot. While some may find this frustrating I feel this actually adds to the story. Firstly Turn of the Screw is decidedly not plot driven. The language itself is crucial to understanding the narrator whose journal comprises the bulk of the story. Secondly the language adds an element of authenticity to the story that is lacking in most modern period pieces. Thirdly the elongated sentence structure and archaic terminology add a tangible atmosphere to the story that envelopes you and forces you to look very closely at show more the words, which make the occasional creepy, gothic parts all that more effective.

The story is a retelling of the experiences of a certain governess, hired to see to the upbringing and education of two siblings in 19th century England. The governess soon realizes that the children are being hounded by the ghosts of pervious servants and embarks upon a plan to free them from their tormentors. What gives the story its continued longevity is the ambiguous nature of the phenomenon witnessed. Is this a genuine ghost story, or the diary of a woman going mad? That is left for the reader to decide.

While I can certainly see the origins of many modern ghost stories here I found the narrative a bit dull. The governess has the sort of psychological awareness of others usually reserved for third person narratives and while this adds to the mystique surrounding her own understandings and motives, it makes for somewhat repetitive reading. Still it can be read in a couple of sittings and should probably be required reading for anyone interested in ghost stories or horror in general. show less

A difficult book to read, in that the prose is of a peculiar style. James is inclined towards lengthy sentences that are not the norm for the casual reader. At times you find yourself re-reading sentences to grasp the full meaning and at times, whilst doing this, you recognise the purpose of his method. It's subtle and it can be difficult but it is effective if the reader takes his time. I'm still not entirely sure of the entire plot and I feel I need to read it again but I still enjoyed it and know that once I conquer it completely it will be all the better.

The tale is of a governess, or nanny, who goes to look after two children out in the country. They have no parents and their guardian is a disaffected uncle who has little to do show more with them. There is mystery in the house; the children are haunted and yet perfect. An enigma. Our heroine unravels and she is blinded simultaneously and alternatively as the story proceeds.

The ending I am not yet sure about but the overall effect of the novel was one of success. It's a haunting book. James intended on creating a piece that would filln the void of 'really scarey and heart-shaking ghost-stories,' I believe - certainly for his time - he did not fail. show less

In a word - awful. Read like an absolute parody of a gothic horror story. Though I had to admire the author's ability to use 50 words when one would have done. And the ending was a complete squib. Frankly I'd rather read Poe. Gets the one star only for being short mercifully short.

Had to use this book for class and found that I really enjoyed it. The criticism in it was quite thought provoking.