her quest, for the result was that the children were harmed and some critics might argue, based on interpretation, that the children died. Knowing that the quest was not successful, the next question is why. The tragic hero typically has some character flaw. In the case of the governess, it could be several things. The governess was young and nave to think that she was prepared to take on this job of raising the children. She might have been motivated by pride to accept a job so far above her middleclass position. She also may have been seduced by passion for the uncle, or the great salary. Whatever the case, she makes several decisions, which can be interpreted as reflections of her flaws. The fact that she fails to contact the uncle, even after Mrs. Groses suggestion, reflects a stubborn pride. A short time after her arrival at the house, there is a scene where the governess imagines the uncles great approval with the work she has done. This suggests she is seeking approval and affirmation. The second element of Fryes myth is the vision (486). The vision, either tragic or comic, describes the human, animal, vegetable, mineral, and unformed worlds. The first world, or human world, resonates with several elements in The Turn of The Screw. Frye claims, In the tragic vision the human world is a tyranny or anarchy (486). This is quite clear in the story as the governess is in a powerful position, and is overthrown by the children and ghosts. The next element is the deserted or betrayed hero (486). Clearly the governess again fits this role, as she feels betrayed by the children because they have consorted with the ghosts. In some sense the governess is deserted after discovering the childrens involvement with the ghosts. After that her contact with the children and Mrs. Grose lacks communication. Also present in this tragic vision of the human world is a witch type character, which could be interpreted as Miss Jessel, fo...
