The Turn of the Screw
By Henry James

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Sources

New York : Macmillian, 1898Source copy consulted:PS2116 .T9 1898 Special Collections, Alderman Library, University of Virginia

Editorial Statements

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Citation

James, Henry. "The Turn of the Screw". The Two Magics: The Turn of the Screw, Covering End; The Turn of the Screw, Macmillian, 1898 , pp 3-212 . Literature in Context: An Open Anthology. http://anthology.lib.virginia.edu/work/James/james-turn. Accessed: 2024-05-09T17:52:34.165Z

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Footnotes

virtutis_ Latin for "This is the reward of integrity". It motto of the Waller coat of arms. Source: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth183484/
turn_ Turn of the screw means something that makes a bad situation worse. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/turn-of-the-screw
interlocutor_ Someone who takes part in a dialogue, conversation, or discussion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
delicious_ Very amusing or entertaining. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
unanimous_ General agreement or consent. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
propound_ To put forward, set forth; to put forward as a question for solution. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
scruples_ A feeling that prevents you from doing something morally wrong. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/scruple
fire_ To hesitate or be slow in acting. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
acute_ Sharpness or keenness; perceptiveness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
vulgar_ Not special, singular, or exceptional. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
raison_ French for "all the more reason". Source: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/french-english/raison-de-plus
reticence_ Reluctance to perform a particular action; disinclination, hesitation. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
serial_ A story published in installments like in a magazine or newspaper. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
candlestuck_ Possibly to prepare candles by softening the wax at the end of it and putting it in a holder. Source: https://www.towernotes.co.uk/literature-notes-55_James_Turn-of-the-Screw_13.php
trepidation_ confusion; confused hurry or alarm. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
vicarage_ The house of a vicar, or a member of the Church who has charge of a mission or chapel. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vicar
gay_ Here meaning light-hearted, carefree. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inevitably_ Unavoidably. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
gallant_ Chivalrously brave, full of noble daring. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incur_ To bring upon oneself. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
chicks_ Here meaning children. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
fond_ Having an affection or liking for. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
groom_ A person who takes care of horses for a living. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
untried_Not tried, proved, or tested. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
music_ Confront reality; Not shrink from some unwelcomed truth. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
gilt_ Covered with a thin coating of gold. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
album_ A book used for the collection and preservation of miscellaneous items. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
commodious_ Comfortable; free from hardship. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
fortitude_ Moral strength or courage. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
reprieve_ A respite or temporary escape from an unpleasant or undesirable situation. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
rooks_ A species of bird in the United Kingdom. They have black feathers, a white beak, and a peaked head. Source: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/rook/
proprietor_ An owner of land or a business. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
brooded_ To meditate (esp. in a moody or morbid way). Source: Oxford English Dictionary
beatific_ Making blessed; giving supreme happiness or blessedness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
timidity_ Lack of courage, confidence, or assertiveness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
frank_ Candid, outspoken, unreserved. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
serenity_ Tranquillity, peacefulness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
imputed_ To blame someone often falsely or unjustly. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imputed
prodigious_ Marvellous, astonishing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
forthwith_ Immediately, at once, without delay or interval. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
concurred_ To agree with. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
droll_ Unintentionally amusing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
machicolated_ Having holes in the floor of an overhanging gallery to drop rocks and boiling liquids on attackers. https://tudorhistory.org/glossaries/m/machicolation.html
contracted_ Narrowed, shortened, shrunken. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
adoze_ In a light sleep. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
adream_ In a dream. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
postbag_ A large sack or bag for carrying letters. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
attenuated_ To weaken or reduce in force, effect, or amount. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
forbore_ To refrain from mentioning; to withhold, keep back. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
scarce_ Barely, only just; not quite. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
atonement_amends, satisfaction. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
stupefaction_ Great or overwhelming surprise. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
interdict_An authoritative prohibition; an act of forbidding peremptorily. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incisive_ Sharp or keen in mental qualities; acute. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
ardently_ with great eagerness or keen desire; passionately, earnestly, zealously. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
fortified_ Strengthened; provided with means of defence. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
indignant_ Feeling angry because of something unjust. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indignant
conceit_ A notion, conception, idea, or thought. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
resumption_ The action of taking up or starting something again after interruption. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
morrow_ The following day. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
grandees_ A person of high rank or position. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
afteryears_ A later or future year. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
teatime_ This is a small meal in Britain between lunch and dinner. It is typically taken around the late afternoon or early evening. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/teatime
conducted_ To lead, escort, guide. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incongruous_ Inconsistent. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
flanked_ To defend the sides of something. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
disengaged_ To loosen from something that holds fast; to detach, liberate, free. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pretentious_ Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance than it actually possessed. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
gingerbread_ Outwardly or superficially attractive or appealing, but lacking real substance or worth. Extremely or excessively elaborate or ornate decoration. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
precipitately_ Rashly, hastily; at great speed. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
bred_ Brought up, (properly) trained. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
bridled_ To put a restrain on; to regulate; to restrict, bring under control. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
visitant_ A visitor. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
markedly_ Distinctly, definitely, notably. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
fixed_ To make someone motionless with astonishment. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
udolpho_ This is in reference to the Gothic story The Mysteries of Udolpho. It is about Emily, a young woman, who moves in with her aunt after her father dies. Her uncle is a crule man who traps her and her aunt in a castle and forces Emily to marry his friend. She escapes and marries the man she loves. https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/the-mysteries-of-udolpho
interval_ An open space between two thing; a gap. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pretext_ A reason that hides someone's true purpose; an excuse. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
unscrupulous_ Someone who acts in a dishonest way in order to get what they want. Source: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/unscrupulous
indiscretion_ Wanting to be discreet. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pang_ A sudden sharp feeling of mental anguish or intense emotional pain. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sordid_ Low, coarse, rough; mean. Source: Oxford Englsh Dictionary
infallibly_ Most certainly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
vindictive_ Involving retribution or punishment; avenging. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
muff_ A foolish, stupid, feeble, or incompetent person. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
anecdote_ A short account of an interesting experience. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
scant_ Barely; hardly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
chastised_ To punish; to inflict punishment. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
intercourse_ Social communication between people. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
certitude_ Being certain of anything. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
blanched_ To make something white; to bleach. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
scruple_ Without doubt or question. Source: Oxford Englsh Dictionary
queer_ Here meaning strange or odd. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
extraordinary_ Here meaning unusual. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inconsequence_ Lacking reason or a logical sequence. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
valet_ Here meaning a gentleman's personal attendant. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
consternation_ Amazement and terror; dismay. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
prostrate_ In a state of physical exhaustion or complete weakness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
plight_ An unfortunate condition or state. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
impugning_ To call in question; to dispute the truth, validity, or correctness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
portentous_ Ominous, threatening. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
exaltation_ A strong feeling of happiness. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/exaltation
surmounting_ To prevail over, get the better of, overcome. Source: Oxford Englsh Dictionary
expiatory_ Making amends for. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
especial_ In particular; especially. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
fence_ To keep off with a fence. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
musingly_ Thoughtfully, dreamily. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
allusion_ An implied, indirect, or passing reference to a person or thing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
perturbation_ Mental or spiritual agitation or disturbance. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
scullions_ A domestic servant of the lowest rank in a household who worked in the kitchen. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
quake_ To shake involuntarily; to tremble, shiver, shudder. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
interlocutress_ A woman who takes part in a dialogue, conversation, or discussion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
house_ A pub or tavern. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inquest_ Inquiry or investigation (into something). Source: Oxford English Dictionary
importunate_ Something that is a nuisance or inconvenience; persistently troublesome; annoying, irritating, irksome. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
listless_ A lack of interest, spirit, or energy. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listless
sinecure_ A position that does not have work attached to it but is paid. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
juncture_ The place where two things are joined. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
alien_ Here meaning strange, unfamiliar, different. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
dire_ Terrible, dreadful; awful, ‘frightful’. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
morsel_ A small piece or amount (of anything). Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incredulity_ Unwillingness to believe something. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
articulate_ To utter or pronounce words. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
infamous_ Famous for badness of any kind. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
abasement_ Lowering in rank; humiliation, degradation. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
impudent_ Shameless, immodest. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
evocation_ The calling up a spirit. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
afresh_ Once more from the beginning; anew. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
abjure_ To withdraw, retract, recant a previously held opinion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
re-enumerate_ To count again. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
quaver_ To vibrate, tremble, quiver. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
perceptible_ Able to be perceived; esp. able to be seen or noticed. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
gabbling_ To talk rapidly esp. in an unintelligible way. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
romp_ To play roughly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
asseverate_ To declare positively, assert emphatically, affirm seriously. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
imperturbable_ Not capable of being mentally agitated; unexcitable; calm, composed. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
austere_ Stern; strict, harsh. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
levity_ Lack of seriousness. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/levity
admonished_ To urge someone to do something; to warn or tell a person that they should do something. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incongruity_ Unreasonable; unsuitableness, inappropriateness, absurdity. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
overture_ Here meaning an approach or proposal with the aim of opening negotiations or establishing a relationship. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
menial_ Here meaning a servant who does domestic or household work. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
prevaricated_ To not be straightforward; to speak or act in an evasive way. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
flounder_ To stumble. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
vehemence_ Great or excessive passion; eagerness of personal feeling, action, expression. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
lugubriously_ Mournfully, sorrowfully. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
homely_ Familiar; well-known. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
remonstrance_ An expression of disapproval or disagreement. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
mused_ To be absorbed in thought. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
beguilement_ Deluder, deceiver, cheater. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
preternaturally_ Abnormally, extraordinarily. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
homage_ Acknowledgement of superiority in respect of rank, worth, beauty, or some other quality. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
protectress_ A female protector or guardian. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
charades_ A game where players try to communicate a particular word by using silent actions. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/charade
exuberance_ Energetic, excited, cheerful. Source: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/exuberance#google_vignette
singularly_ Apart from; separately, individually. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
allude_ To suggest, hint; to refer indirectly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incitement_ To move to action; to stir up. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incite
mystification_ A puzzle, an enigma. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
theatricals_ The performance of stage plays formerly in a private house. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
confabulations_ Talking together; chats. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
idolaters_ A person who shows an intense or excessive fascination with or devotion to a person or thing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
quarreled_ verbal conflict between two people. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quarrel
coarseness_ Rudeness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
naive_ Lack of experience, judgement, or wisdom. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
hideous_ Terrible, horrible. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sojourn_ To stay in a place temporarily. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sequestered_ Sheltered, secluded. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
shrouded_ Concealed, veiled; sheltered. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
astir_ Out of bed; up and moving about. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
casement_ A window. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
flourish_ A sudden burst; an act or instance of waving. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flourish
detestable_ Intensely hateful. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
rigor_ Being unyielding or inflexible; harsh inflexibility in opinion or judgment. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigor
reckon To take into account; to be prepared for. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
wretch_ A vile, sorry, or despicable person. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
counterpane_ The outer covering of a bed; a quilt. Source: Oxford English Dictionary Example: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/13623
candor_ Speaking freely; frankness, outspokenness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
arraigned_ Accused of some fault or imperfection, called in question. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
solicitation_ Seeking to get something by an earnest request. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
succumbed_ To sink under pressure. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
luminously_ Brightly, shining. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pertinence_ Relevance. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
woe_ A state of misery, suffering, or emotional distress. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
laxity_ Looseness or slackness; lack of strictness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
taper_ A long wax candle. The term originally used used for devotional purposes. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
reillumination_ Relighting. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
wrap_ A shawl, scarf, or the like. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
bewilderment_ Confusion. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
halter_ A rope with a noose, it can be used to lead cattle or horses. Sources: Oxford English Dictionary
portentously_ In a way that foreshadows something; ominously. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
prowling_ To move around looking for something; to wander in search for prey or with predatory intent. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
faltering_ To stumble, stagger. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
penetrable_ Here meaning bringing light into or able to see through the darkness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
flurry_ Sudden commotion or excitement. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
want_ To be without, to lack. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
amiability_ Being lovable; being friendly or pleasant. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
blighted_ In a badly damaged or deteriorated condition. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blighted
battered_ Bruised and shattered by repeated blows; worn by rough or hard use. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
habit_ Disposition, character; a settled practice, custom. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
conviction_ An opinion or belief that is thought of as well proved. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
solicitude_ Anxiety; care, concern. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
instructress_ A female teacher. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
placidity_ Mildness; calmness, peacefulness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
lurid_ Connotation of ‘terrible’, ‘ominous’, ‘ghastly’, ‘sensational’. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inscrutable_ Something that cannot be searched into or found out by searching; entirely mysterious. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
cleft_ A position where advance and retreat are impossible; a dilemma. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
stupendous_ Tremendous, enormous. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
lucid_ Clear in intellect; rational, sane. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
derision_ Laughing to scorn; ridicule, mockery. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
insurmountable_ Something that can't be overcome or passed over. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
tacit_ Silent; not openly stated; understood, inferred. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
portents_ A sign, indication, or omen of a momentous event that is about to happen. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
baseness_ Cowardice, selfishness, or meanness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
volubly_ Spoken confidently and forcefully. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/volubly
palpable_ Plainly observable; noticeable. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
vociferously_ With great noise. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inexorable_ Continuing without being stopped. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/inexorable
gaoler_ I.e. jailer. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
turned_ He came out for a reason. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
hassock_ A thick firm cushion used as a footrest or to kneel upon in church. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
venial_ Worthy of forgiveness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
hand_ Satisfying only one's immediate needs because of a lack of money. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
blush_ When you first see something. Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/at-first-blush
melancholy_ Gloomy, mournful, or dejected; gloomily. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
gaily_ Cheerfully, joyously. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
denouncing_ To proclaim, announce, declare. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
alluding_ To suggest, hint; to refer indirectly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
rueful_ Remorse, sorrow, or regret. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inexorably_ Relentlessly. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
designedly_ By design; on purpose; intentionally or deliberately. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
precocity_ Early maturity. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
convalescent_ Someone recovering from sickness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
exultation_ Rejoicing greatly; joyousness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
unimpeachable_ Unable to be called into question or accused. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
poignancy_ Sharpness of feeling or emotion, especially of sadness, regret, or sorrow. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
bravado_ Bold or daring action intended to intimidate. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
jubilation_ Rejoicing, gladness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
exemplary_ Something that is a good example; excellent, outstanding, perfect. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
conspicuous_ Clearly visible; easy to be seen. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
tantamount_ Something equivalent (to). Source: Oxford English Dictionary
repast_ Food, nourishment. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pursuance_ Seeking after or aiming at something, or trying to accomplish some object. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
mute_ Quiet; making no sound. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
volumes_ To be highly expressive or significant. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
communed_ To talk together, converse with someone. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
demurred_ Made difficulties; to raise objection. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
mooring_ The place where a ship is secured. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
interposing_ To interrupt. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sovereign_ Supreme, greatest, or most notable. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
quail_ To lose heart, be discouraged. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
reprobation_ Rejection of a person or thing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
odorous_ Having a strong or unpleasant smell. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
chit_ An offensive way of saying someone is no better than a child. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
repudiate_ To refuse to accept or be associated with; to reject. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sequestration_ Separated, secluded, retired. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
inscrutably_ Beyond searching out; unfathomably. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
perambulations_ The action of walking through or around a place or space; a walk. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
beguiled_ To delude, deceive, cheat. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
incontestably_ Unquestionably, indisputably. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
specious_ Having a fair or attractive appearance. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
wrest_ take by force; to seize, capture, or take. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
admonition_ Authoritative advice or warning. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
hypocrisy_ A fake appearance of virtue or goodness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
repudiating_ Casting off; reject something. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
perverse_ Wicked, evil, debased. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
transcendently_ Surpassingly, supremely. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
sentinel_ Someone who keeps guard. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
elation_ Joyousness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
pathos_ A quality which evokes pity, sadness, or tenderness. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
veritable_ Truth. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
convulsed_ To shake violently. Source: Oxford English Dictionary
supplication_ A humble plea. Source: Oxford English Dictionary