"Othello" and "The Turn of the Screw"

Paper Summary:

The paper compares the two primary characters whose delusions provide the basis for the drama within each literary piece. The paper explains that in "Othello", Iago brings about the tragic events in the play, while in "The Turn of the Screw", the delusions of the governess provides the suspense. The paper describes how these distorted views of reality within each character exert their influence through their acceptance by central characters within the story as well as by the authors of such delusions. In conclusion, the writer posits that the illusions in both these stories creates a heightened effect within each story. The writer explains that this effect draws the readers in so that they feel compelled to seek the truth of the story.

From the Paper:

"The story itself is set up with mystery and intrigue before her first sight of this apparition. We know further that the governess who relates the tale dies, but her death is shrouded in mystery. It must be remembered that the children of these parents had been killed, then the uncle and aunt of these children entrusted with their care were also killed, leaving the responsibility of their care to the son of the deceased relatives. It is known the son, the master of Bly, rarely visits the children, and makes as minimal an amount of contact as possible with them. We wonder as well as with the governess for why he seeks to make as little contact as possible with Bly estate and the children. The delusion of the governess is given further basis in reality when she discovers from Mrs. Grose that the former governess to these children , Miss Jessel, as well as the master`s valet who had been in charge of the children, Peter Quint, had also died. From all these deaths, it becomes no wonder why the master of Bly avoids the place and avoids contact with these children as if they were the plague. The common link of all these deaths draws compelling evidence that there is something very strange about these children. Is there a curse which falls upon any who come into contact with these children? The reader is drawn into the delusion that there may be a hidden and unspoken evil that is present with these children who appear like "angels". The answer is never revealed as to the real reason for these apparitions, if they ever existed at all except in the mind of the governess. Were the ghosts of Miss Jessel and Peter Quint seeking to corrupt or destroy Miles and Flora or were they there to seek revenge against the wrongful deaths inflicted upon them somehow by these children? That answer too is never revealed completely to the satisfaction of the reader."

More papers on "Othello" and "The Turn of the Screw":

• Analytical Essay # 45191 : "The Turn of The Screw"
• Analytical Essay # 5411 : "Henry James' "The Turn of the Screw"

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