Ghosts In The Turn Of The Screw By Henry James

The ghosts in Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw are not real because the governess is the only person who sees the ghosts, the governess is immature and delusional, and her affection with the Uncle is indicative of false judgement.
The biggest argument one can have against the existence of ghosts in the novel is that no one can see these supposed ghosts except for the Governess herself. Though the Governess suspects that the children can in fact see and can even communicate with these spectral visitors, no one ever admits to seeing them and at times, they outwardly deny it. During the climax of the novel, the Governess again sees an apparition of Miss Jessel. Mrs. Grose denies seeing the woman, and even insists towards Flora that the Governess is just playing around. Flora even goes as far as to say, “I don’t know what you mean. I see nobody. I see nothing. I never have.” (James 71)

The Governess easily makes friends with Mrs. Grose who is aging, caring, and simply wants the Governess not to end up like her predecessor. This attitude coupled with the governess’ charming innocence and sweet demeanor convinces Mrs. Grose that the Governess, is definitively trustworthy, explaining why Mrs. Grose is in on the idea of ghosts. This is demonstrated when, “[Mrs. Grose] faltered but a second. “Quint!” she cried” to go along with the Governess’ views, whether that be genuine or simply to please her (James