Major Characters Flashcards
(5 cards)
0
Q
Freudian. Governess. Part 2.
A
- Mrs Grose’s increasing skepticism casts doubt on the governesses visions and fears - suggests she is going insane.
- Her preoccupations/fantasies may manifest themselves into real events, at least in her experience.
- Always trying to be a heroin (like in her books) - wants uncle to recognise her sacrifices
- Sheltered/inexperienced - stress/anxious - repressed feelings of uncle - lead to insanity?
1
Q
The Governess. Part 1.
A
- Clearly adores the children. As the story progresses - becomes suspicious of their every word and action.
- She is fickle. Switches back to being sure of their innocence. At these times her affection is intense. Going as far as to kiss Miles.
- Frequent changes in behaviour - unreliable narrator + source of info.
- Sheltered/inexperienced/young woman.
2
Q
Mrs Grose.
A
- An illiterate servant at Bly, Mrs Grose acts as the Governesses adviser and friend.
- Governess thinks she is slow witted and simple minded.
- Source of most of Gov’s info.
- Gov - doesn’t ask Mrs Grose her opinion - uses her to justify her speculations, etc.
- Gov - frequently tries to get moments alone with Mrs Grose so as to convince her of her latest speculations.
3
Q
Miles.
A
- May be a cunning, deceitful plaything of the ghosts/just an innocent, unusually well-mannered boy.
- Gov - “too beautiful to misbehave” “too innocent for the cruel world.”
- Gov comes to believe Miles is plotting evil deeds. Strange behaviour - result of childish pranks?
- Mrs Grose-Quint-bad influence-nature of influence?
- Eventually Gov decides Miles is too “exquisite” to be anything but “full of wickedness”. Conclusion-based only on guess working.
4
Q
Flora.
A
- Like Miles - “angelic” or deceitful/cunning.
- Gov - believes she posses “extraordinary charm”. “Most beautiful child she has ever laid eyes on-personality contradicts?
- Prank with Miles-unambiguous deceit-ghost plaything/normal personality/Gov was right?
