The turn of the screw
(Kit)

The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James, is a psychological ghost story that masterfully blends ambiguity, suspense, and the supernatural. Set in a remote English country estate, the novella follows a governess who becomes convinced that the two children in her care are being haunted by malevolent spirits. As the narrative unfolds through her perspective, the reader is drawn into a tense and unsettling atmosphere where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. Since its publication in 1898, The Turn of the Screw has captivated readers and critics with its layered narrative and open-ended interpretation. The novella raises enduring questions about innocence, repression, and madness, leaving the true nature of the haunting-and of the governess herself-deliberately unresolved. Its use of unreliable narration and psychological depth has influenced countless works in horror and gothic fiction. The story's lasting impact lies in its ability to disturb and intrigue without offering clear answers. The Turn of the Screw remains a landmark in literary horror, a study in ambiguity that continues to provoke debate and analysis. Its exploration of fear, control, and the unknown ensures its place as a classic of English literature.