The Turn of the Screw

*The Turn of the Screw* by Henry James is a psychological gothic tale about a governess who cares for two young children at a remote estate. As she becomes increasingly unsettled, she believes she encounters malevolent spirits of her predecessor and her former employer’s valet, who are allegedly haunting the children. The story explores themes of innocence, perception, and the ambiguity of reality—raising questions about whether the spirits are real or manifestations of the governess’s mental distress. Its layered narrative invites readers to interpret whether the supernatural events are genuine or figments of the governess’s troubled mind.