# II explained — The Turn of the Screw

> Chapter companion for The Turn of the Screw by Henry James.

## What happens

The governess receives a letter from her employer enclosing an unopened letter from the headmaster of Miles's school, which reveals that Miles has been expelled and will not be allowed to return. Distressed, she confides in Mrs. Grose, who cannot read and defends Miles's character, urging the governess to see him first before believing ill of him. The governess also learns from Mrs. Grose that the previous governess left suddenly and later died, deepening her unease.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Corruption

The letter suggests Miles may be a corrupting influence, but Mrs. Grose defends his innocence, creating tension.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The governess struggles to reconcile the pleasant appearance of Bly and the children with the troubling news of Miles's expulsion.

### Isolation and Entrapment

The governess feels isolated with no one to counsel her and is trapped by her duty and the mystery surrounding the previous governess's fate.

## Character check-ins

### The Governess

Receives the letter about Miles's expulsion, struggles with distress, and questions Mrs. Grose about Miles and the previous governess.

### Mrs. Grose

Defends Miles, reveals she cannot read, and provides information about the previous governess's departure and death.

### Miles

Mentioned as the boy expelled from school; not yet seen by the governess.

### Flora

Appears at the schoolroom door, showing affection for the governess, who embraces her.

### The Master

Sent the letter about Miles's expulsion and is described as liking young and pretty governesses.

### Miss Jessel

The previous governess, who left Bly for a holiday and later died; her history is discussed.

## Key lines

> This, I recognize, is from the headmaster, and the headmaster's an awful bore. Read him, please; deal with him; but mind you don't report. Not a word. I'm off!

The master tells the governess to handle the headmaster's letter herself and not to bother him with it.

_The master abdicates responsibility, leaving the governess to confront the troubling news alone._

> Master Miles! him an injury?

Mrs. Grose is shocked at the suggestion that Miles could be a bad influence.

_Mrs. Grose's fierce defense of Miles contrasts with the official report._

> See him, miss, first. Then believe it!

Mrs. Grose advises the governess to meet Miles before judging him.

_This advice underscores the theme of appearance vs. reality._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_turn_of_the_screw_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_turn_of_the_screw_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_turn_of_the_screw_se/chapters