Henry james the turn of the screw norton

The Romantic image of childhood, harking back to the innocent child of Pelagian heresy, holds brief sway in both narratives. But in both, these appearances, along with the "heresy" which they substantiate, are very soon called into question. When asked to show "Miss Grey" — a suggestive name, for there will be a moral ambiguity here, too — his schoolroom, Tom uses his whip and spurs mercilessly on his rocking-horse; worse, he insists that he would inflict the same measures on a real pony.

This is very much how James's unnamed and still more morally ambiguous governess reacts to hints of what she sees as her charges' collusion with the demonic: "The children I should absolutely Far from being unusual, the two young women's common responses to a dawning disillusion are entirely of their century.

How was this to be achieved, though? Agnes had been in no doubt that her own experiences in childhood, so recent to her mind, would stand her in good stead when dealing with her little charges. Agnes is perplexed both by her ambiguous position in the household, where she is expected to exert control without having the parents' respect, and by the nature of the children themselves: "Other children might be guided by the fear of anger, and the desire of approbation; but neither the one nor the other had any effect upon these" Goddard see Kimbrough London: Dent, Fraser, Rebecca.

New York: Random House, Heilman, Robert. Columbia and London: University of Missouri Press, One might consider the Penguin classics edition if this weighty volume might be too cumbersome for the casual reader. I can't imagine why anyone would willing read this book. I realize that the English gurus think this is a classic, i found it so boring to read, but I had to for my English class. I can't imagine what we will discuss.

Skip to main content. Share - Norton Critical Editions Ser. Norton Critical Editions Ser. About this product. Make an offer:. Stock photo. New other : Lowest price The lowest-priced item in unused and unworn condition with absolutely no signs of wear. Will include dust jacket if it originally came with one. Text will be unmarked and pages crisp. Satisfaction is guaranteed with every order. Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book.

Home Groups Talk Explore Zeitgeist. I Agree This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and if not signed in for advertising. Your use of the site and services is subject to these policies and terms. Members Reviews Popularity Average rating Conversations 9 35, 3. Also reproduced are four paintings by Charles Demuth.

The essays in Criticism span one hundred years, providing a rich array of perspectives on James and his story. Representing contemporary reactions are pieces by Henry Harland, John D. Heilman, R. Blackmur, Maurice Blanchot, and Leon Edel.

Armstrong, and T. A Chronology and Selected Bibliography are included. Recently added by liampittman , nick. Books Read in 1, No current Talk conversations about this book. In a word - awful. Read like an absolute parody of a gothic horror story. Though I had to admire the author's ability to use 50 words when one would have done. And the ending was a complete squib. Frankly I'd rather read Poe.