In Henry James’s novella, The Turn of the Screw, Flora does not die. Instead, she remains alive throughout the story. The narrative focuses on the psychological tensions surrounding her and her brother, Miles, as they interact with the ghosts of their former guardians. Flora’s character represents innocence and the looming threat of corruption. While the story evokes a sense of foreboding and dread, Flora ultimately does not meet a tragic fate.
The ambiguity of the events and the ghostly encounters raises questions about the children’s psychological well-being rather than their physical safety. The eerie atmosphere and the governess’s obsession with the supernatural leave readers wondering about the true nature of the threats posed to Flora and Miles. However, despite the hovering specters of death and danger, Flora’s survival signifies a glimmer of hope amidst the dark themes of the novella.