Mrs. Grose

The benign housekeeper at Bly, she endears herself to others through her goodness and large-heartedness. She is devoted to the children and thus, can think nothing but good about them. Even when the governess tries to suggest that they are wicked, she refuses to entertain the idea. She is therefore convinced about the goodness and innocence of the children. To her they are angels, delightful and adorable. When the governess talks about evil influences corrupting the children, she takes pity on them and tries to protect them. No wonder, the children love her and fall back on her for support.

Mrs. Grose is a loyal servant devoted to her master and her work. She respects her employer and holds him in high esteem. Thus, when the governess feels helpless and finds it difficult to guide and protect the children, Mrs. Grose asks her to call the master of the house to deal with the situation. She is sure that he would be able to provide a solution. Finally, when the governess suggests that she take away Flora to her uncle, Mrs. Grose accepts her idea because she feels confident that her master would provide them security. However, she feels anxious about Miles and his being left alone with the governess at Bly. She feels responsible for the welfare and safety of the children.

Mrs. Grose is a good friend. She welcomes the governess with open arms at Bly and establishes a rapport with her almost immediately. She is the one who tells the governess about the past employees at Bly. She helps the governess to identify the figures that haunt the lady. She gives a patient ear to the governess, whenever the lady tries to relieve her distress to her and thus, gives her comfort. She shares the concern of the governess for the children and tries to help them in her own way. She is like a pillar of strength providing moral support to the governess.

Mrs. Grose remains in the shadow of the governess but she plays an important role in the story. She throws light on the past happenings at Bly and the former employees like Quint and Jessel. This way she enlightens the readers with the hidden secrets of Bly and unravels their mystery. Also by providing a contrast to the governess, she helps in revealing the true nature of the lady. Mrs. Grose is thus, significant to the story.

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