Flora’s Changing Relationship with the Governess

The Turn of the Screw

This flow traces Flora’s passage from a cherished pupil to a child who repudiates the Governess and is removed from Bly.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The First Welcome The First Welcome from "The Turn of the Screw". A Radiant Pupil Immediate Attachment The Governess is captivated by Flora’s beauty and imagines that caring for her will make a happy life. Trust in Mrs.

The First Welcome from "The Turn of the Screw". A Radiant Pupil Immediate Attachment The Governess is captivated by Flora’s beauty and imagines that caring for her will make a happy life. Trust in Mrs.

A Radiant Pupil Immediate Attachment The Governess is captivated by Flora’s beauty and imagines that caring for her will make a happy life. Trust in Mrs. Grose The housekeeper’s affectionate attention to the child reassures the newcomer. The early bond gives the later rupture its emotional force.

The Lake Silence The Lake Silence from "The Turn of the Screw". A Child at Play A Figure Across the Water The Governess believes Flora sees Miss Jessel on the opposite shore.

The Lake Silence from "The Turn of the Screw". A Child at Play A Figure Across the Water The Governess believes Flora sees Miss Jessel on the opposite shore.

A Child at Play A Figure Across the Water The Governess believes Flora sees Miss Jessel on the opposite shore. Silence Interpreted Flora turns away and continues her play without speaking, which the Governess reads as deliberate concealment. The same behavior that might signal innocence or avoidance becomes, in the Governess’s mind, proof of secret knowledge.

Night at the Window Night at the Window from "The Turn of the Screw". Watching Outside A Hidden Child The Governess finds Flora behind the blind, intent on looking into the grounds.

Night at the Window from "The Turn of the Screw". Watching Outside A Hidden Child The Governess finds Flora behind the blind, intent on looking into the grounds.

Watching Outside A Hidden Child The Governess finds Flora behind the blind, intent on looking into the grounds. An Adult Interpretation She believes Flora is communicating with Miss Jessel, though the child offers no clear confirmation. Flora’s private observation becomes another source of suspicion in the Governess’s account.

The Lake Confrontation The Lake Confrontation from "The Turn of the Screw". The Bond Breaks A Direct Accusation The Governess names Miss Jessel and insists Flora sees her across the water.

The Lake Confrontation from "The Turn of the Screw". The Bond Breaks A Direct Accusation The Governess names Miss Jessel and insists Flora sees her across the water.

The Bond Breaks A Direct Accusation The Governess names Miss Jessel and insists Flora sees her across the water. Rejection Flora denies the apparition, calls the Governess cruel, and asks Mrs. Grose to take her away. The child’s response marks the collapse of their affectionate relationship and challenges the Governess’s claim to be protecting her.

Removal from Bly Removal from Bly from "The Turn of the Screw". Leaving the House Fever and Distress Flora becomes feverish and continues to resist the Governess’s presence. A Separate Future Mrs.

Removal from Bly from "The Turn of the Screw". Leaving the House Fever and Distress Flora becomes feverish and continues to resist the Governess’s presence. A Separate Future Mrs.

Leaving the House Fever and Distress Flora becomes feverish and continues to resist the Governess’s presence. A Separate Future Mrs. Grose takes her away from Bly, ending the girl’s direct part in the events at the house. Her departure protects her from the immediate conflict but leaves the Governess without a chance to repair their relationship.

The Governess’s first evening at Bly

During a summer afternoon by the lake

A later moonlit night

Late in the story, at the lake

The morning following the confrontation