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Henry James - The Turn Of The Screw

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             2. Limited perspectives.
             2.1. Subjectivity and the one-sided flow of information.
             The Turn of The Screw is told from a strictly subjective perspective. Henry James' work of cold artistic calculation starts with a prologue in which the reader is convinced of the innocence and good-naturedness of the young governess and her flawless character. It aims to provide the reader with trustworthy background information about the governess and all other characters in the story. This is done by the character of Douglass, a man who procured the original manuscript of the story and whom the other characters themselves note, must have been in love with the governess or at least have been in a closer relationship. Douglass is the only source of information for the little group of listeners as he is the only one familiar with the content of the story. The manuscript contains the notes and accounts of the governess who functions as the real storyteller. She is the only witness and source of information for Douglass. .
             This one-sided flow of information from the governess through the manuscript to Douglass is perhaps the most important foundation of later ambiguities in the story.
             First, he has to rely on the reports of the governess since she is the only available observer. He corresponds to the need of his listeners to present the story in a gruesome manner and combines his personal experiences and memories with the information of the manuscript. Douglass creates the image of a benevolent, inexperienced beautiful young woman and tries to convince the listeners by describing her as a charming, most agreeable person.
             But because of the emotional connection between Douglass and the governess one cannot absolutely be certain either about the innocence of the governess nor about any other "fact- presented in the story. .
             In utilizing a character like Douglass who lets one look through his looking glass, real facts become difficult to obtain.


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