I thought the issue of class was very interesting in this novel. The whole conflict surrounding the children’s relationship with Peter Quint, and even Quint’s with Ms. Jessel seems to be one of class. Quint, as it is repeatedly pointed out, is not a gentleman. Ms. Jessel and the children, however, belong to a higher class, and are thus considered above Quint. Despite Quint’s supposedly sinister nature, it seems like the characters focus more on the class disparity in his relationships than on his potential for genuinely harming the children.

In the Governess’s case too, the issue of class plays a major role. Although she is ostensibly esteemed by the children for most of the story, her position is below theirs. The disparity this dynamic creates lends itself towards an unsettled, almost liminally-charged tone that I would say rivals even the essential creepiness of the children. The intense, class-based stratification is part of what I think gives the story such a disconcerting tone; everything is uncertain, precarious, full of potential trespass.