The Turn of the Screw · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
The governess confronts Flora by the lake, insisting she sees Miss Jessel, but Flora denies it and turns against her, leading to a crisis where Mrs.
What happens
The governess confronts Flora by the lake, insisting she sees Miss Jessel, but Flora denies it and turns against her, leading to a crisis where Mrs. Grose takes Flora away. Later, the governess finds Miles waiting with her in silence by the fire.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
Flora's transformation from a sweet child to a 'hard' and 'common' figure suggests the corruption of innocence, whether by the governess's obsession or supernatural influence.
Appearance vs. Reality
The governess sees Miss Jessel clearly, but Mrs. Grose and Flora deny it, creating a rift between what is seen and what is acknowledged.
Isolation and Entrapment
The governess feels utterly alone after Flora's rejection, and the silent evening with Miles underscores her emotional entrapment at Bly.
Characters to notice
- The Governess
Desperately tries to prove Miss Jessel's presence to Mrs. Grose and Flora, feels her authority crumble, and later grieves alone before returning to the house.
- Flora
Denies seeing Miss Jessel, accuses the governess of cruelty, and clings to Mrs. Grose, demanding to be taken away.
- Mrs. Grose
Unable to see the apparition, she defends Flora and reassures her, then retreats with the child, convinced something awful has occurred.
- Miss Jessel
Appears on the opposite bank, silent and menacing, serving as the focus of the governess's desperate proof.
- Miles
Appears later in the evening, sitting silently with the governess by the fire, sharing a quiet companionship.
Key passages
“She's there, she's there!”
The governess points frantically at Miss Jessel's apparition, trying to force Mrs. Grose and Flora to see it.
This moment marks the climax of the governess's attempt to prove the supernatural presence.
“I don't know what you mean. I see nobody. I see nothing. I never have. I think you're cruel. I don't like you!”
Flora flatly denies seeing anything and accuses the governess of cruelty, signaling a complete break in their relationship.
Flora's denial is a turning point, undermining the governess's credibility and authority.
“Take me away, take me away—oh, take me away from her!”
Flora clings to Mrs. Grose and begs to be removed from the governess's presence.
This plea shows Flora's terror and rejection of the governess, aligning her with Mrs. Grose.