Narrative Frames and Ambiguity in Henry James The Turn...

Narrative frames and Ambiguity in The Turn of The Screw Since it was written, Henry James The Turn of The Screw has been acclaimed by numerous critics to be one of the most immaculate, engrossing and terrifying ghost stories ever produced. Harriet Waters Preston described it as, a sheer mortal horror, like the evil dream of a man under the spell of a deadly drug1, and Gertrude Atherton said, [it] is the most horrifying ghost story ever written!2 I will argue that it is the narrative frames enclosing The Turn of The Screw that are largely responsible for the reception the book has received. They serve two main purposes; one, to build up an element of suspense and tension before the governesss account actually†¦show more content†¦These layers serve to establish tension and suspense before the story actually begins. There are many dramatic devices employed in these outer frames to heighten this sensation. At the outermost layer of all, the title of the text itself, The Turn of the Screw, imparts an ominous atmosphere. Whether or not the screw refers to a sinister thumb-screw for torture purposes, or merely to a simple fastening device, the implication is that a ghost story involving children is a degree more oppressive than one that concerns only adults.3 In the second paragraph of the text, Douglas says, If the child gives the effect another turn of the screw, what do you say to two children-?4 The very setting of the fireside at which Griffins guests swap stories establishes an atmosphere with which many of us are familiar. We can all relate to sitting around a fire exchanging ghost stories. By employing this particular narrative frame James encourages the reader to abandon their scepticism and give themselves over to a belief in the ghosts. The reader shares in the eagerness of the guests to be frightened; to be delighted by horror. Upon seeing Douglas distress at the thought of the tale he must tell, and its dreadful - dreadfulness, one of the female guests actually cries, Oh how delicious!5 Douglas own elusiveness andShow MoreRelatedEssay Finding Meaning in The Turn of The Screw, by Henry James2788 Words   |  12 Pages Bly appears to be a rather lonely place. The vividly bleak backdrop for The Turn of the Screw houses a handful of servants, two orphaned children, and ghosts who fade in and out of view. But there are others present who are less obtrusive yet just as influential as Peter Quint and Miss Jessel. 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