The recurring theme of poison in this work manages to be simultaneously significant and subtle. The Governess refers to both the influence of the supposed spirits, and the house itself as being poison to the children. In chapter twelve, The Governess asks, “By writing to him that his house is poisoned and his little nephew and niece mad?” The implication of the house is easily overlooked, as it is a flippant and almost comically sarcastic remark to Mrs. Grose while they are on the subject of writing to the children’s uncle. In chapter twenty-four, The Governess states that the overwhelming presence of Peter Quint, “Filled the room like the taste of poison.” At this point in the story, the mention of poison is far less easy to overlook. Only at the conclusion of the story with Miles’ death does poison come to mind again, except the implication here, falls of course, to The Governess! The protector becoming the poisoner is both startling in nature, yet not entirely unsurprising from someone as unstable as The Governess. Poison being easily overshadowed by the more sinister supernatural forces, is a truly brilliant tactic in providing this story with a substantially jarring conclusion.