The Turn of the Screw, Chapter 4 summary
Chapter 4 of 25 · 9 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 4, the governess keeps her first encounter from Mrs. Grose, explains it to herself as an intrusion, and finds comfort in Miles and Flora. When the same man appears outside the dining room, she believes he seeks someone else, searches unsuccessfully for him, and frightens Mrs. Grose by taking his place at the window.
What happens
- The governess returns after dark and decides not to tell Mrs. Grose about the stranger.
- After three days of quiet observation, she dismisses a household trick and explains the visitor as an intrusive traveler.
- She finds relief with Miles and Flora and treats Miles's apparent innocence as grounds for dismissing the accusation against him.
- On Sunday evening, she retrieves her gloves and sees the same man looking through the dining room window.
- His shifting gaze convinces her that he seeks someone else, and she rushes outside to find him gone.
- She stands at his window position, frightens Mrs. Grose, and wonders why her companion reacts with fear.

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In this chapter
Quick check
Why does the governess enter the dining room before the evening service?

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