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I feel we MUST rely on the governess up to a certain point, otherwise it invalidates the whole storytelling process. Besides, if she really is completely delusional, I think James, as the author would give us a bigger reveal at the end of the story, other than just Mrs. Gross not being able to see

Miss Jessel. I think that, more likely, he is trying to put us into the governess’ mind so that we doubt ourselves, in a way. Because it is frustrating and compelling not to know for sure. We get a taste of what it’s truly like to doubt one’s own sanity. That’s really the true brilliance of the narrative, now that I think about it. Anyway, I STILL think she is seeing the ghosts and that the kids are being corrupted by them. 😉

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The one thing that makes me think the governess is NOT delusional is that she saw Quint before anybody told her about him. She described him first and then was told about him and Miss Jessel.

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In regards to Tony’s commentary, yes I do think children can be conniving specifically because they don’t yet have a moral compass to guide them. While they may know when something is wrong, that usually doesn’t stop them from acting on it. Miles and Flora might think it’s all just a bit of fun.

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