Chapter 1

Summary

The governess undertakes the journey to Bly in a special coach. As she nears her destination, she is full of apprehension. However, she forgets her fears as soon as she meets her little ward, Flora, who wins her over. The charming girl welcomes her teacher with open arms. Even Mrs. Grose expresses joy at meeting her and extends her hand of friendship. Thus the governess gets acquainted with her companions who tell her everything about the house. Flora takes her round the house and familiarizes her with the interiors. The governess is happy to be in such a big but old- fashioned house and visualizes herself to be in a wonderland with the little girl as her fairy.

This chapter is the real beginning of the story as the narration of the governess starts from here. It is thus in the first person and the readers are given a description of the place through her eyes. The lady travels to the place with doubts in her mind but when she reaches it, she is relieved and surprised. In her words: “I suppose I had expected, or had dreaded, something so melancholy that what greeted me was a good surprise. I remember as a most pleasant impression the broad, clear front, its open windows and fresh curtains and the pair of maids looking out; I remember the lawn and the bright flowers and the crunch of my wheels on the gravel and the clustered tree tops over which the rooks circled and cawed in the golden sky. The scene had a greatness that made it a different affair from my own scant home.” And in the midst of this pleasant scenery appears the little girl looking fresh and divine and the governess is swept off her feet. She is happy to take charge of such a charming girl and hopes that her brother also will be like her. She finds Mrs. Grose to be a pleasant companion and enjoys sharing her thoughts with her. Thus the governess is impressed both by the place and the people living there.

The governess is basically a romantic person who gets carried away by her imagination and feelings. She is flattered by the hearty welcome given to her. She is awed by the pleasing personality of the little girl and promises to shape her into a responsible lady. The gothic structure of the house, its numerous rooms and stairs create visions in her mind. She “had the view of a castle of romance inhabited by a rosy sprite, such a place as would somehow, for diversion of the young idea, take all color out of story books and fairy-tales.”

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