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Episode 526 - The Turn of the Screw - Part 1 (Patreon)

Published:
2020-12-08 00:31:00
Edited:
2023-10-06 09:02:54
Imported:
2026-06
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Content

We're kicking off holiday ghost-story season with the Henry James classic THE TURN OF THE SCREW!

Special thanks to readers Greig Johnson and Rachel Lackey!

Comments

Aaron Gullison

In an interesting coincidence, Phoebe Reads a Mystery is starting the same book.

Mark Saunders

Chris seems to have had the same experience with the story that I had. I got about to the fourth chapter and gave up, finding it florid and kind of boring. But, if you guys think it’s worth it, I’ll give it another shot.

Devin Morse

I dig the multi-reader cast thing. Greig and Rachel are perfect for this story. I also suggest covering The Haunting of Hill House at some point. I just finished it, and it's very Weird.

Sanjay Mathew

On the subject of kids in ghost stories. MR James has two excellent ones- Lost Hearts and The Residence at Whitminster (which has an evil kid to boot).

Daniel Weber

Another great episode! Rachel and Greig are fantastic and I am digging the story. Am I right in thinking Chad found himself about to say the word “naïveté” out loud and pulled up at the last minute? I don’t blame you; I am always afraid I’m under- or over-pronouncing it. But you’re among friends here. Go for it!

Markus Lauerer

Glad you're finally getting around to covering "The Turn of the Screw". By the way, if you ever come back to Saki at some point, you haven't covered his (in my opinion) best weird story yet, "The Peace of Mowsle Barton".

Steve

I very much enjoyed this episode. And in deference, Rachel has gone all sarf. Loverly! I also like that at the end Chad is only ever such "for now". When does the mask finally come off?

Mark Andrews

Very awesome episode. Helps to get in the mood for Christmas. I was kind of expecting to hear a plug for the Solstice cards?

Forrest Rush

Just lovely guys and the readings are excellent. I think I finally have to get around to watching The Others.

Ben A

It’s great to hear you two digging into this novel at last! You are correct, it takes a few readings to really parse the meanings of James’ words. What I love about this book (other than its efficiency; it covers so much character depth in under 100 pages) is that the reader can bring multiple interpretations to the events. There’s so much to unpack about this story and Henry James. He was a buddy of H.G. Wells, and both shared an enthusiastic belief in the supernatural. Modern readers tend to look at this tale and think that it is left to question if the manifestations (like the figure on the balcony early on) are just in the Governess’s head or are real. But James wrote to Wells in 1898 to express that he intended the ghost(s) of this book to be real, and he wanted to use them to explore the concept of evil. I’d note, though, that there is an implicit sexual repression, or maybe just a lack of sexual experience, that characterizes the Governess. Whether it was intentional or not remains up for debate, and whether the haunting is a manifestation of her naiveté is likewise unresolved. I look forward to hearing what you two think of this. I’d just note that, since you mentioned The Innocents, Truman Capote & Jack Clayton specifically wanted to portray the sexual repression and taboo sexuality of the Governess & Miles in the film. (This is something that the recent Haunting of Bly Manor picks up on as well but subverts.) Whether this is an interpretation that James’ intended is also up for discussion. I look forward to hearing what you two think as you continue through the story!

Background Noise Comic

Really enjoyed this episode. I was afraid it might spoil the Netflix show (we’re in the middle of it) but the similarities and differences are very interesting. Thanks guys (and Rachel!).

Dan Pratt

I think Chad is absolutely correct that Henry James's writing style IS the story. If we were nineteenth century readers in a slower, less-distracting world, we would be accustomed to novels that luxuriated in character psychology, compound digressions, expansive description, and often florid language (like that of Austin, Shelley, the Brontës, etc.). James uses the same conventional stylistic trappings of his time, but he’s set himself a more difficult goal: to convincingly portray all the elements of a supernatural encounter without making his narrator seem overtly unreliable—and that takes time to write and patience to read. For me, James most believably conveys the confusion, disbelief, and horror surrounding the supernatural through his masterful dialogue (by the way, pretty well-adapted for William Archibald’s 1950 stage play and Truman Capote’s screenplay for Jack Clayton’s 1963 film, The Innocents—productions that shine on their own.) In Chapter V, Miss Giddens struggles to tell Mrs. Grose about her startling visions of an “extraordinary man” on the house’s tower and, later, outside a terrace window. It’s immediately clear, from the moment James writes, “Her hand tightened,” that Grose knows exactly what Giddens is talking about. The remainder of the chapter is a beautifully balanced piece of suspense, unfolding at a maddeningly slow pace and with deliberate ambiguity. After teasing further information out of Giddens, Grose reluctantly reveals that she suspects the man’s identity and implies that her employer’s household is associated with unspeakable secrets and violated social and behavioral norms. She tentatively explores Giddens’ receptivity as a confidant and ally and, as a final chapter sting, surrenders to the supernatural explanation by squaring herself and stating, “Yes. Mr. Quint is dead.” Would love to see this chapter rewritten by David Mamet.

Philip Cowan

Lovecraft nailed it. Any further discussion is superfluous.

Philip Cowan

Just to add, as we come to the end of 2020 which has been distressing for so many, it has been great that the HP Podcraft has stayed with us throughout. Consistently good and often brilliant, thanks Chad and Chris for helping us through the months of lockdown and economic distress that many have suffered. At Hogmanay, I will be raising a glass to you guys, all the listeners, and hoping for better times in 2021.

Zed

I hated this book in uni - until I understood that the convoluted style of the nanny reveals the essence of the story - and the key to its secret.

Peter Larsen

I think the length and complexity of the sentences add to the thrill. By making them hard to unpack, we suffer along with the Governess in her own unpacking of the story, and the digressions and distractions are a way to increase our uncertainty and keep that "doubled consciousness" -- ghosts or psychology? -- going. The story really won't work if you come down squarely on one side or the other. In other news, I think Chad needs to add to his character repertoire with "Henry James Brings the Excuses," where Chris asks why some simple thing didn't get done, and Chad takes 10 minutes to explain that James almost did it but took a nap instead.

Andrew M. Reichart

Nice hearing Chris say the new slogan, "Strange Studies of Strange Stories" -- I was worried that was just a rogue bit Chad was tryna pull off without Lackey buy-in.

Adequately Excellent Entertainment

On the subject of a scary story with two kids being more or less scary because “at least there’s another kid”... as a kid it was a source of anxiety that adults wouldn’t believe me when I saw something scary or experienced physical pain. In the case of seeing things the adult will say “you’re just seeing things” and you can take their word for it so you can feel reassured and safe. But if there’s another kid there with you, and they see it too... but the adults don’t believe you... then you KNOW you’re not safe. So that would be more horrific, not less.