The Turn of the Screw, Chapter 20 summary
Chapter 20 of 25 · 8 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 20, the governess sees Miss Jessel across the water, but Mrs. Grose sees nothing and Flora denies seeing anyone, turning the confrontation against the governess. Flora leaves with Mrs. Grose and sleeps apart from her teacher, while Miles joins the grieving governess for a silent evening beside the fire.
What happens
- The governess sees Miss Jessel across the water and welcomes the sight as proof of her claims.
- Mrs. Grose denies seeing anything, while Flora condemns the governess and demands to leave her.
- Convinced that Miss Jessel directs Flora, the governess dismisses Mrs. Grose and the child.
- The governess collapses in grief, then returns near dusk and notices that the boat is gone.
- Flora stays with Mrs. Grose, her belongings removed from the governess’s room, while Miles quietly joins the governess by the fire.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Flora explicitly denies the governess’s claim. Her refusal turns the hoped-for confirmation into a direct break between teacher and child.
Quick check
What does Miles do that evening?
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