The Turn of the Screw Lesson Plan

If He Isn't a Gentleman, He's a Horror

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Conduct a close-reading of a scene, and analyze how the governess regards Peter Quint.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.6, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3

Structure:

When the governess describes the male specter to Mrs. Grose in an attempt to ascertain his identity, she mentions a few odd, seemingly contradictory impressions. Have your students re-read the text of this exchange (Chapter V), and conduct a close reading. Encourage students to take detailed notes and think critically about the meaning of individual words. What do we learn about the governess from...