Webster's dictionary defines the word "cataclysm" as a sudden and violent physical action producing changes in the earth's surface, yet, the corruption of innocence in children can be seen also as a cataclysm, as their lives are abruptly uprooted and changed forever. This morose situation becomes a prevalent theme in the Henry James novel Turn of the Screw as the two young characters in the story become engulfed with wanton acts and discreet situations. The reader witnesses the loss of innocence one step at a time as the corruption of evil takes a prominent role in the story of a governess, two children, and an enigma enraptured mansion.
             The governess accepts a position as head governess at a mansion named Bly; she will be nurturing and schooling two young children who have lost their mother and gone to live with their uncle. Yet, suspicious acts occur almost immediately as the governess converses with the head servant, Mrs. Grose, and learns that the young boy Miles has recently been expelled from school for no apparent reason. The governess is determined to seek out the meaning behind his expulsion, but her search for answers just lead her into a deeper mist of ambiguity and fear. She witnesses the ghosts of two former servants occupying the premises, yet no one else feels or sees their presence. This forces the governess to demand answers from the innocent children, which frighten them and prevaricate her goal of finding answers. Soon, one of the ghosts is identified as Peter Quint; the governess has severe reservations as to the relationship this man obtained in Miles. She further learns the reason Miles was expelled from school was because he "said things." This instigates the governess's reactions, and turns her into a supercilious character further pushing on the innocence of the two children. These children have already lost their mother and are now be
             ...