Modern Language Studies The Governess, Mrs. Grose and "The Poison of an Influence" in "The Turn of the Screw" Author(s): Helen Killoran Source: Modern Language Studies, Vol. 23, No. 2 (Spring, 1993), pp. 13-24 Published by: Modern Language Studies Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3195031 . Accessed: 04/02/2015 08:52 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp . JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact
[email protected]. Modern Language Studies is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Modern Language Studies. http://www.jstor.org This content downloaded from 216.125.168.2 on Wed, 4 Feb 2015 08:52:14 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions TheGoverness, Mrs. Grose and "thePoison ofan Influence"in TheTurn of theScrew HelenKilloran In a well-knownessay, Eric Solomonargues convincingly that Mrs.Grose, so ofteninterpreted as the"solid, kindly, housekeeper,"' is actuallyan evil influencewho deliberatelyencourages the governess's nervousimpressions of apparitions. Her motive is to drivethe governess fromBly and regainher position as guardianof thechildren, especially Flora.2Other revealing essays demonstrate how