Jamesian Techniques

Jamesian Techniques

1. Ambiguity

   • Lack of closure
     • only allows for speculation as to his true intention
       • "catch out those not easily caught"
     • contrasts very well with the clearly constructed begining chapters and prologue
   • constant use of liminality
     • stairs, windows, lakes, light and dark etc.
     • reflects the governess's moral/psychological dilemma
   • symbolism within the appearances of the ghosts
     • by inviting us to over analyse this we are self are being exposed?

2. Narration

   • Different diegetic levels
     • the reader is invited, by the prologue to judge the governess before hearing her own account
     • detatches the story from reality by giving it such an anonymous base setting.
   • he has relised that the best way to portray a character is by giving them a voice
   • we are able to judge other characters through the governess's narration
     • we can see through her description into the true innocence of Miles and Flora
     • the reader becomes chillingly aware of the mounting fear Mrs grose has of the Governess

3. Plot structure

   • very clear structure in which the appearances of the ghosts happen
   • the dissappearance of flora early on
   • sudden ending
   • much of the time is spent in blissful harmony with the children
   • "shameless potboiler" each chapter ending is full of suspense "and that was all i new"

4. Writing Style

   • Long sentences
     • saturates the narrative, requires closer reading, easier to miss vital points
       • 'seldom does he make a direct assertion, but qualifies and negatives and double negative, then throws in a handful of adverbs until the image floats away upon a verbal smoke'
   • wandering consciousness allows for the reader to glean more of the person from their narration
     • we are invited by James to speculate of her feelings towards Quint/ the master
   • many reference to 'turn' throughout