The Turn of the Screw · Chapter
IV explained
The governess reflects on her first sighting of Peter Quint and her subsequent fear.
What happens
The governess reflects on her first sighting of Peter Quint and her subsequent fear. She decides not to tell Mrs. Grose about the encounter, rationalizing it as an intrusion by a curious traveler. She becomes increasingly devoted to Miles and Flora, finding joy in her work and dismissing Miles's school expulsion as unjust. Later, she sees Quint again at the dining room window, realizes he is there for someone else, and rushes outside to find him gone. Mrs. Grose sees her at the window and is frightened.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
The governess insists on Miles's innocence, seeing him as an angel despite his school expulsion, while the appearance of Quint suggests a corrupting influence.
Appearance vs. Reality
The governess's perception of the children as perfect contrasts with the mysterious events and her hidden fears; she rationalizes Quint's appearance as a mere intruder.
The Supernatural and Psychological Terror
The governess's sightings of Quint, her growing dread, and her inability to explain the events evoke psychological terror and the possibility of the supernatural.
Characters to notice
- The Governess
Experiences fear after seeing Quint, decides to keep the encounter secret, and becomes devoted to the children.
- Mrs. Grose
Meets the governess in the hall after her return, unaware of the incident; later sees the governess at the window and is frightened.
- Miles
Described as innocent and angelic; the governess believes his school expulsion was unjust.
- Flora
Mentioned as one of the governess's charming charges, along with Miles.
- Peter Quint
Appears again at the dining room window, staring at the governess and then looking at other things, suggesting he is there for someone else.
Key passages
“Was there a 'secret' at Bly—a mystery of Udolpho or an insane, an unmentionable relative kept in unsuspected confinement?”
The governess wonders if Bly holds a dark secret, like a mad relative hidden away.
Reflects her growing suspicion and Gothic imagination.
“The shock I had suffered must have sharpened all my senses; I felt sure, at the end of three days and as the result of mere closer attention, that I had not been practiced upon by the servants nor made the object of any 'game.'”
After three days, the governess concludes that the servants are not playing tricks on her.
Shows her attempt to rationally explain the supernatural event.
“He had come for someone else.”
The governess realizes Quint's visit is not for her but for another person.
Key moment suggesting Quint's interest in the children.