Abstract:
In this study, film adaptations of Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw (1898)
will be examined in terms of cultural anxieties and domestic violence that lead to the
inevitable corruption embedded in James’s original novella. The significance of
corruption, as a central motif in James's novella, reflects the deeper psychological
and societal issues of the era, offering a lens to explore the complex interplay
between individual psyche and societal norms. The Turn of the Screw will be
utilized as a base for exploring the relevant themes. To demonstrate these themes,
“The Innocents” (1961) and “The Turn of the Screw” (2009) will be analyzed to find
out how they reflect on the themes of cultural anxieties and domestic violence that
lead to the inevitable corruption, which is embedded in James’ original novella.
Adaptation theory will be analyzed under three categories throughout the
adaptations: themes transferring to film, fidelity, and how they adapt to the context
and time in which they are produced. In addition, adaptations will be analyzed to
show their power to reflect and question their times while showcasing the lasting
significance of a canonical work.
