Heroism In The Turn Of The Screw By Henry James

Sometimes in our deep desire to become a hero, we can end up destroying that which we intend to save. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James explores the events of an unusual ghost story in which a newly appointed governess begins to live in Bly, a wealthy estate, where she must care for two young children: Flora and Miles. As the governess repeatedly sees ghosts throughout the estate, she becomes invested in protecting the children but is progressively concerned whether they have deeper knowledge of the ghosts or not. Several events throughout the novella and actions of the governess reflect James’ intended theme of destructive heroism that greatly affects those around her.

The governess’ first sightings of the apparitions, Peter Quint and …show more content…
This feeling then develops into a sense of obligated heroism; she reasons herself to be the established savior for the children and the estate, as it is revealed through her own thoughts and words. “[Finding it] a joy in the extraordinary flight of heroism the occasion demanded of [her]”, the governess believes that “...there would be a greatness in letting it be seen... that [she] could succeed where many another girl might have failed.” In these words, the governess sees it as her pleasure to watch over these ingenuous children, putting her above the previous governess’ who have fallen short of doing such honorable things. The governess believes that she “was there to protect and defend the little creature in the world, the most bereaved and the most loveable, the appeal of whose helplessness had suddenly become only too explicit...” Her words suggest that the …show more content…
Grose. After having driven herself mad with the obsession of being proven correct, the governess finally attacks Flora in trying to make her confess that she indeed has seen and met with Miss Jessel. Although she has continued to believe that the children still adore and respect her, Flora’s response suggests otherwise: “"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!"..."Take me away, take me away—oh, take me away from HER!"” As Mrs. Grose cares for Flora the next morning as she “was so markedly feverish than an illness was perhaps at hand”, it is decided best for Flora to leave with Mrs. Grose and Miles to remain with the governess. Whether Mrs. Grose is traumatized and shocked by the governess’ actions, it is unknown; the governess’ perception of Mrs. Grose is that of inferiority and companionship, yet her perceptions have been discovered to be quite misleading. While the governess and Miles are alone at the estate, she believes that she will “save” him by convincing him to “confess”; becoming impatient and violent toward Miles, though, “[the governess] was so determined to have all [her] proof that [she] flashed into ice to challenge him. "Whom do you mean by 'he'?"”. And still the ending scene seems to suggest that her idea of saving him has