CliffsNotes on

The Turn of the Screw

Search this CliffsNote

About the Author

Life and Background
The Realism of Henry James
Structure of Henry James’ Novels

About the Book

A Brief Synopsis
List of Characters

Summaries and Commentaries

“Prologue”
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Sections 4 and 5
Sections 6 and 7
Sections 8-10
Sections 11 and 12
Sections 13-15
Sections 16 and 17
Sections 18-20
Sections 21 and 22
Sections 23 and 24

Critical Essays

Central Intelligence and Point-of-View
Confidant
Foreshadowing

Study Help

Quiz
Essay Questions

Cite this Literature Note

What should be his first order of business once President-elect Obama takes office?

Cutting taxes/economic recovery.
Promoting peace in Israel/Gaza.
Ending the war in Iraq.
Creating jobs/dealing with unemployment.
Addressing climate change/environmental issues.

View Results

Study Help

Quiz

1:  In the Prologue, why is Douglas unable to immediately relate the ghost story?

a. He has only heard rumors about the story.

b. He must send for a written account.

c. The story is too scary to be told in the presence of children.

d. He doesn’t believe that the story is true.
2:  Who is the narrator of this ghost story?

a. Mrs. Grose

b. The Governess

c. Miss Jessel

d. Flora
3:  Where is Miles at the beginning of the story?

a. In the hospital

b. Visiting his uncle

c. Away at boarding school

d. Locked in his bedroom
4:  How did Peter Quint die?

a. He was walking home drunk and fell on the ice.

b. His death remains a mystery.

c. He was attacked and killed by robbers.

d. He died in a barroom brawl.
5:  What was the governess looking for when she first sees the face of Peter Quint in the window?

a. A candle

b. A letter from her employer

c. Her hat

d. A pair of gloves
6:  When does the governess typically have free time?

a. Daily at dusk

b. On Sundays only

c. Early in the morning

d. While the children take their afternoon tea
7:  Who was Peter Quint?

a. He was headmaster at Miles’s school.

b. He was the master’s personal valet.

c. He was Mrs. Grose’s husband.

d. He was the estate gardener.
8:  Who does the governess talk to about the ghosts?

a. Mrs. Grose

b. Her employer

c. Miles’s teacher

d. The minister
9:  What did Miles do that was considered very bad by Mrs. Grose?

a. He used foul language.

b. He lied to protect Peter Quint.

c. He spread gossip about the governess.

d. He cheated on an exam at school.
10:  Where did the governess first see the children talking to the ghosts?

a. On the staircase

b. In Flora’s bedroom

c. On the far side of the lake

d. The governess never saw the children speak to the ghosts
11:  What happened to the letter that the governess wrote to her employer?

a. Mrs. Grose mailed it.

b. Miles burned it.

c. The master returned the letter unopened.

d. The governess changed her mind and threw it away.
12:  Why does Mrs. Grose take Flora to London?

a. Because Flora has suddenly become very sick

b. Because her uncle has sent for her

c. To enroll her in a boarding school

d. To attend a funeral for Miles



Previous page
Next page
Resources

Tools & Resources

Ask Cliff

Read More About

Video Interviews with Real Students
Get to know your top college picks without stepping foot on campus.
Watch now!
Study Guides To-Go!
Get the complete text from CliffsNotes guides on your video iPod®.
Learn more!
cover
Learn the Words You Should Know
Vocabulary Puzzles is the fun way to ace the SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT & more!
The Ultimate Learning Experience!
WATCH the film and READ the lit note for a fast way to study!
Learn more!