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Flora And Miles In Henry James's Turn Of The Screw

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In Henry James’ Turn of the Screw, Flora and Miles are some of the most important characters. The Governess, the caretaker of the children, has an unhealthy obsession with the children. She is intoxicated by their beauty and perfection. By the end of this book, readers can understand that infatuation can truly kill. The Governess loves her new job, but a bit too much, shown in this quote: “My charming work was just my life with Miles and Flora, and through nothing could I so like it as through feeling that I could throw myself into it in trouble. The attraction of my small charges was a constant joy, leading me to wonder afresh at the vanity of my original fears, the distaste I had begun by entertaining for the probable grey prose of my office. There was to be no grey prose, it appeared, and no long grind; so how could work not be charming that presented itself as daily beauty? It was all the romance of the nursery and the poetry of the schoolroom. I don’t mean by this, of course, that we studied only fiction and verse; I mean I can express no otherwise the sort of interest my companions inspired.” I believe the Governess is saying that all she does is work, but could get into trouble easily. Her attraction to Miles and Flora make her happy, which is a plus to her new job. She enjoys this more than her office job. She believes everything is so beautiful and romantic. She is simply infatuated with Bly and the children. Miles and Flora make her life worth living to her.

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