The Turn of the Screw

by Henry James

The Turn of the Screw: Situational Irony 1 key example

Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Contamination:

In a conversation with Mrs. Grose about how to handle children, the governess metaphorically presents bad behavior as some sort of contaminant, as if it's infectious and has the power to corrupt others:

"You like them with the spirit to be naughty?" Then, keeping pace with her answer, "So do I!" I eagerly brought out. "But not to the degree to contaminate—"

"To contaminate?"—my big word left her at a loss. I explained it. "To corrupt."

She stared, taking my meaning in; but it produced in her an odd laugh. "Are you afraid he'll corrupt you?