# Chapter XX explained — The Turn of the Screw

> Chapter companion for The Turn of the Screw by Henry James.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_turn_of_the_screw_se/chapters/xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_turn_of_the_screw_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_turn_of_the_screw_se/chapters