The Turn of the Screw, Chapter 17 summary

What happens

1. On a stormy evening, the governess sits before blank paper, then visits Miles, who hears her outside his door.
2. Miles questions his upbringing, and she promises a different school while pressing him about his silence concerning the old one.
3. Miles insists that his uncle must come and settle matters, making clear that he wants a change.
4. He asks her to leave him alone and urges her to finish the letter to his uncle.
5. She presses him about his past and pleads to save him; a cold blast, shaking, and a shriek interrupt her.
6. In darkness, she notices the closed window and still curtains, while Miles claims responsibility for extinguishing the candle.

In this chapter

What to notice

Miles claims an ordinary cause for the extinguished light. His explanation contrasts with the governess’s account of cold air and violent shaking.

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