Instructions -
Last Monday, we made a list of the different gothic conventions that we have discussed this semester. This new unit, "Gender, 'Mad' Women, and the Female Gothic" highlights a particular set of conventions, namely the damsel in distress, the 'mad' woman, the unreliable narrator, ghosts, haunted houses, and corrupted children. For this post, answer the following questions that reflect on these gothic conventions.
1. Do you think that the governess is a reliable narrator? Another way to look at this: should we believe that - within the world of the novel - the ghosts are real, or is the governess hallucinating? Why or why not? Provide a piece of evidence that supports your opinion. Present a short analysis (at least 250 words). Book uploaded.
2. Answers the 9 questions from the study guide, just short answers for each please.
Study Guide - The Turn of the Screw - Henry James
Henry James's Turn of the Screw (1898) is a classic ghost story. In his words, he "wanted to scare the whole world with that story." In this worksheet, I ask you to close-read and analyze two ghosts sightings. Please note passages as you discuss.
Peter Quint:
1. The governess sees Peter Quint two times in this section. Analyze her narration and how she describes this ghost sighting. What does she conclude from this event?
2. How does the governess describe Peter Quint to Mrs. Grose? How does Mrs. Grose respond?
3. Evaluate the governess's conclusions and narration. Do you find them reliable? Why or why not?
4. What other details does this section tell us about Peter Quint's life and person?
Miss Jessel:
1. The governess sees Miss Jessel for the first time when she and Flora are out by the pond. Analyze her narration and how she describes this ghost sighting. What does she conclude from this event?
2. How does the governess describe Miss Jessel? How does Mrs. Grose respond to the ghost sighting?
3. Evaluate the governess's conclusions and narration. Do you find them reliable? Why or why not?
4. What other details does this section tell us about Miss Jesse!?
Miles and Flora:
5. Why is the narrator so scared that Miles and Flora know? What does she think they know?
Length: 250 words plus 50 words each for the 9 questions.