The Turn of the Screw · Chapter
Chapter XII explained
The governess elaborates on her theory that the children are in secret communion with the ghosts of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel, who are luring them toward destruction.
What happens
The governess elaborates on her theory that the children are in secret communion with the ghosts of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel, who are luring them toward destruction. She insists that Miles and Flora's unnatural goodness is a facade, and she rejects Mrs. Grose's suggestion to summon their uncle, fearing his contempt.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
The governess argues that the children's apparent goodness is a deceptive 'game' and that they are being corrupted by the ghosts' evil influence.
Appearance vs. Reality
The children's sweet behavior is interpreted by the governess as a calculated fraud, hiding their secret communion with the dead.
Isolation and Entrapment
The governess feels trapped at Bly, unable to call for help from the master without risking her position and reputation.
Characters to notice
- The Governess
Articulates her conviction that the children are conspiring with the ghosts and refuses to appeal to their uncle for help.
- Mrs. Grose
Listens to the governess's theories with growing alarm and suggests writing to the master, but is warned not to.
- Miles
Seen at a distance with Flora, smiling and kissing hands, but the governess believes he is secretly communicating with the dead.
- Flora
Walks with Miles and appears sweet, but the governess interprets her behavior as part of a fraudulent performance.
- Peter Quint
Referenced as one of the 'tempters' who, along with Miss Jessel, is trying to draw the children to destruction.
- Miss Jessel
Mentioned as the other ghostly figure conspiring with Quint to corrupt the children.
Key passages
“They’re seen only across, as it were, and beyond—in strange places and on high places, the top of towers, the roof of houses, the outside of windows, the further edge of pools; but there’s a deep design, on either side, to shorten the distance and overcome the obstacle; and the success of the tempters is only a question of time.”
The ghosts appear only at a distance, in elevated or marginal spots, but both they and the children are actively working to close the gap, and it's only a matter of time before the ghosts succeed.
The governess describes the strategic positioning of the apparitions and her belief that the children are complicit in drawing closer to them.
“Their more than earthly beauty, their absolutely unnatural goodness. It’s a game; it’s a policy and a fraud!”
The children's extraordinary beauty and flawless behavior are not genuine but a calculated deception.
The governess asserts that the children's apparent virtue is a mask for their secret alliance with the ghosts.
“If you should so lose your head as to appeal to him for me—I would leave, on the spot, both him and you.”
If you were foolish enough to contact the master on my behalf, I would immediately abandon both of you.
The governess threatens to resign if Mrs. Grose tries to involve their employer, fearing his mockery of her situation.