The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James, is a popular work of literature that has been the topic of much controversy among literary critics. Some of the passages found in this novella can be interpreted to have different meanings. One critic, Wayne Booth, identifies two types of readers: the "straight reader" and the "ironic reader." The "straight reader" accepts everything the governess writes to be true, whereas, the "ironic reader" questions the accountability of the governess. These are two passages that I chose to discuss using both the "straight reader" and "ironic reader" interpretations.
             The first passage I chose to discuss is the second one. In this passage, we see the first appearance of Miss Jessel at the lake. At this point in the story, she has already seen Peter Quint and now with the appearance of Miss Jessel, everything is getting even more complicated for the governess.
             There was no ambiguity in anything; none whatever at least in the conviction I from one moment to another found myself forming as to what I should see straight before me and across the lake as a consequence of raising my eyes. (53)
             . The "straight reader" would say that the governess sees the ghost of Miss Jessel. She has no doubts that she feels the presence of someone at the lake. The "ironic reader" might feel that the governess is going crazy. How could a ghost be watching over her? Also, who could this ghost be? The "ironic reader" might use the word, "paranoid" to describe the governess at this point in the novella.
             The second passage I chose to discuss is the fifth one. At this point in the novella, Flora has left the house, and the governess believes she will find her at the lake. The governess is giving her attention to Miles at this point, so Flora is able to escape the estate rather easily.
             Of what first happened when I was left alone I had no subsequent memory. I only knew that at the end of, I suppose, a quar...