The Turn of the Screw · Chapter
VII explained
The governess confides in Mrs.
What happens
The governess confides in Mrs. Grose about seeing Miss Jessel by the lake with Flora, revealing that Flora saw the apparition but kept it secret. Mrs. Grose confirms the infamous history between Miss Jessel and Peter Quint, and the governess breaks down in despair, feeling unable to protect the children.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
The governess's horror at Flora's secrecy and the revelation of Miss Jessel and Quint's depravity underscore the threat to the children's innocence.
Appearance vs. Reality
Flora's outward innocence masks her awareness of the apparition, and the governess's perception of Miss Jessel's beauty contrasts with her infamous nature.
The Supernatural and Psychological Terror
The governess's vivid description of Miss Jessel's apparition and her fear of unseen horrors drive the psychological tension.
Characters to notice
- The Governess
Desperately confides in Mrs. Grose about Flora's encounter with Miss Jessel, expressing horror at the child's secrecy and her own failure to protect the children.
- Mrs. Grose
Listens to the governess's revelation, confirms Miss Jessel's infamous past with Quint, and offers motherly comfort as the governess breaks down.
- Flora
Mentioned as having seen Miss Jessel by the lake but keeping it secret, leading the governess to fear the child's complicity.
- Miss Jessel
Described as a woman in black, pale and dreadful, with a fury of intention to get hold of Flora; her infamous relationship with Quint is revealed.
- Peter Quint
Referenced as the depraved former servant who had an infamous relationship with Miss Jessel and did what he wished with them all.
Key passages
“They know —it's too monstrous: they know, they know!”
The governess exclaims that the children are aware of the ghosts, which she finds horrifying.
Highlights the governess's panic and belief in the children's complicity.
“Flora doesn't want me to know.”
The governess believes Flora is deliberately hiding her awareness of Miss Jessel.
Shows the governess's growing distrust of Flora.
“Miss Jessel—was infamous.”
Mrs. Grose confirms that Miss Jessel had a scandalous reputation.
Reveals the dark history of the former governess.
“I don't do it! I don't save or shield them! It's far worse than I dreamed—they're lost!”
The governess sobs that she is failing to protect the children and believes they are doomed.
Captures the governess's despair and sense of helplessness.