Turn Of The Screw Governess Insane Essay

Turn of the Screw: The Governess is Sane

The governess’s sanity in Henry James’s Turn of the Screw is often disputed in literature. Because the governess sees ghosts in the novel, she is often argued as insane. The definition of sanity proves otherwise, stating that it is the “state of being sound of mind or having appropriate judgment skills” (Psychology Dictionary). The governess is sane because she behaves rationally, protects the children above all costs, and is not the only character witnessing a supernatural presence.

The governess behaves in a rational manner and therefore could not be deemed insane by the widespread definition of sanity. As a sane person, the governess acts with rationality. Though she feels that the ghosts may

inhabit themselves in the children, she states that, “until further evidence, [she accuses] nobody” (James 36). The governess waits to come to a definitive conclusion before making any accusations. By not anxiously jumping to conclusions, the governess carries herself in an appropriate and rational manner. The governess fits the definition of sanity, as she behaves in a rational manner and exhibits appropriate judgment skills. She claims that, “[she goes] on…as if [she] were crazy; and it’s a wonder [she’s] not…it has only made [her] more lucid” (James 47). An insane person would not understand why others around them find them insane. Because the governess is rational enough to understand why the people surrounding her may find her insane, she can be deemed sane. Her over all judgement is appropriate for the situations she is in. Because she makes sound, rational decisions, she could not be considered insane.
The governess makes her first priority to protect the children as well, contributing to her sanity. As soon as the governess sees the Peter Quint, she puts the safety of the children above all else. After seeing Mr. Quint, the governess describes herself as “a screen—[she] was to stand before them [for] the more [she] saw, the less they would” (James 27). The governess behaves rationally and is able to carry out her job successfully. This is something only a sane person could do, as an insane person could not carry out the task of protecting the children and keeping them safe from whatever dangers there may be. The governess also states that, “[she] was there to protect and defend the little creatures” (James 27). The governess understands her place in the household. She knows what her job is and does not fail to carry out her duties in terms of protecting the children. A sane person is one who can carry out their regular duties without being affected by their mental state. Because of the governess fits this description, it is obvious that she can only be classified as sane because she not only feels compassion for the children, but fulfills her duties by putting their needs before her own. An insane person could not be trusted with a child and would be incapable of carrying out such a duty.
It is often argued that the children do not see the ghosts thereby making the governess insane.

After the governess accuses Flora of seeing ghosts, Flora shows contempt for her. Flora claims that, “[she sees] nobody…[she thinks the governess is] cruel [and she doesn’t] like [her]” (James 71). Flora is adamant about not seeing the ghost and being accused of such upsets her. Not only does her contempt for the governess prove that she is not carrying out her duties well, but her not seeing the ghost furthers the point that the governess is insane and unreliable. However, that argument is inadequate, as Miles also has a ghostly encounter, thus, proving the governess’s sanity. Miles is touched with a supernatural presence, as proven by his reaction when the candle blows out. Though the windows are closed in Miles room, in comes “a gust of frozen air, and a shake of the room… The boy gave a loud, high shriek… ‘why, the candle’s out!’” (James 64). Though Miles later claims this as a prank of his own, he is obviously spooked by a supernatural presence, hence the scream. Because he has felt a supernatural presence and could not give a rational explanation for it, it proves that the supernatural presence is not specific to the governess, supporting her

sanity.
Though the evidence supports the governess’ sanity, others may argue that she is insane.

This may be argued when Mrs. Grose yells to the governess as she stares at Miss Jessel, “‘Where on earth do you see anything?’” (James 70). Though this could be used to argue the governess’s insanity, a further look into the text would prove otherwise. Mrs. Grose says to Flora after the governess sees Miss Jessel, “‘nobody’s there-- and you never see nothing my sweet!… poor Ms. Jessel’s dead…We know don’t we, love?... It’s all a mere mistake and a worry and a joke-- and we’ll go home as fast as we can!’” (James 71). Mrs. Grose sounds shaken up and tries to escape the situation, implying that there is something making her feel threatened. This is explained by the fact that Miss Jessel truly is present. She tries to be rational by assuring both herself and Flora that Miss Jessel is dead. Though her words are directed at Flora, she is also comforting herself, trying to rationalize what has happened. If multiple people are seeing the ghost, then neither one of them can be considered less sane than the other. The governess is not the only one seeing Miss Jessel, thus, refuting the argument that she could be considered insane or unreliable. The governess is clearly a sane and reliable narrator because she is rational in her behavior, protects the children at all costs, and is not the only character feeling a supernatural presence. Because the governess displays overall rational

behavior, she is mentally stable. She obviously exhibits the appropriate behavior when interacting with the children as well. Though the other characters feign doubtfulness about the ghosts, the governess recognizes the paranormal activity and acknowledges it in order to protect the children. Because seeing ghosts is a fairly common occurrence and feeling their presence is not specific to the governess, she is clearly a sane and reliable narrator.