The turn of the screw.

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THE TURN OF THE SCREW

COURSEWORK

I must take my horrid plunge” from the opening line sets the tone of the passage. The novel’s gothic form is revealed very early on in the passage. There is a distinctive differentiation between horror and terror derived from the studies of Radcliffe. “Terror” is when one induces to action and “horror” is when one is “powerless” and “freezes” as a result of it. The Governess’ horrid plunge is a forced action, as she is powerless to combat the supernatural forces that oppose her.  The gothic tone is intensified by strong language and a series of effective individual words, aiming to build up a sense of fear and insecurity for the reader. “Shrouded”, “dangerous”, “dread” are among other words that are used for effect in this passage. James has introduced us to this passage very well, as we are able to understand how the governess feels. We have a sense that her world is “godless”, a world of no social hierarchy. From a Freudian point of view, the governess is going through a kind of self- administered psychoanalytical therapy.

There are effective uses of language in this passage that shape the readers’ interpretations. “Push my way through it” builds up expectation. It promotes violence in a mild undertone making the reader eager to read on. “Cold touch” and “soft breath” give a sense of haunting and supernatural presence. These words are tangible – they personify the source of the governess’s fear. In “Sequestered home” a strong notion of isolation and loneliness is presented and; accompanying these emotions we are presented with “draping curtains”. This raises ambiguity and an uncertain presence. This strong descriptive language gives us a feeling of the place and its gothic ambience. “The moment was so prolonged that it would have taken but little more to make me doubt if even I were in life” implying that, if she had experienced a little more horror, she too would be transmitted to the dead realms. Again we are repetitively informed about her shock and dreadful experience. The intensity, however, is slightly dimmed by the effect of its retrospective narration.  

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References to Fielding’s Amelia are very important in this passage as characters and events in The Turn of the Screw relate to those of Fielding’s novel. Amelia, which the governess is reading just before Quint appears to her on the stairs, contains an “enemy”, “adventurer”, “criminal”. These words used to describe Quint in the final paragraph, are derived from this book. The plot of this book focuses upon a woman who shows great loyalty to her man, something we see as characteristic of our governess. Amelia also contains stories of young women ruined by attractive men, including Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet’s life ...

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