The Turn of the Screw · Chapter
XVII explained
The governess confronts Miles in his bedroom at night, attempting to draw out the truth about his past and his expulsion from school.
What happens
The governess confronts Miles in his bedroom at night, attempting to draw out the truth about his past and his expulsion from school. Their tense conversation reveals Miles's desire to leave Bly and his uncle's involvement, culminating in a supernatural disturbance—a gust of wind extinguishes the candle—which Miles claims to have blown out himself.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
Miles's apparent innocence is juxtaposed with the governess's conviction of his secret precocity and the 'poison of an influence' she suspects.
Power and Control
The governess's obsessive need to control Miles's narrative and his future clashes with his own assertion of autonomy and desire to 'get away.'
The Supernatural and Psychological Terror
The sudden gust of wind and extinguishing of the candle, followed by Miles's claim to have blown it out, blurs the line between supernatural and psychological manipulation.
Characters to notice
- The Governess
Confronts Miles in his bedroom, driven by obsession to uncover the truth about his past and the supernatural influences at Bly.
- Miles
Engages in a tense conversation with the governess, revealing his desire to leave Bly and his awareness of her secret motives; he blows out the candle during a supernatural moment.
- Mrs. Grose
Mentioned indirectly as someone who might look for proof that nothing is 'out' in Miles's behavior.
- The Master
Referenced as the uncle to whom the governess is writing a letter about Miles's situation.
- Flora
Mentioned as being at peace beside the governess earlier in the evening.
Key passages
“I say, you there—come in.”
Miles invites the governess into his room with a cheerful tone.
Miles's gaiety contrasts with the governess's anxious expectations.
“Why, the candle's out!”
The governess exclaims that the candle has been extinguished.
The supernatural event is immediately claimed by Miles, adding ambiguity.
“It was I who blew it, dear!”
Miles asserts that he blew out the candle himself.
Miles's claim challenges the governess's perception of supernatural interference.