The Turn of the Screw - A Look at a Criticism There are many different ways to interpret The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James. Many critics in the last century have expressed their opinions on the story. Every critical analysis of history disagrees with the beliefs expressed in another. Robert B. Heilman is a critic who wrote in the mid-20th century. He interprets The Turn of the Screw as a depiction of the conflict between good and evil. Heilman's points are clear and obviously well thought out, but there are flaws in his argument that make his interpretation questionable. In his 1948 essay, Robert Heilman explores the hypothesis that The Turn of the Screw is a symbolic representation of the conflict between good and evil. . Heilman interprets the appearances of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel as forces of evil. She explains that ghosts only appear to the housekeeper because evil hides in cunning before striking. It is the housekeeper's duty to "detect and ward off evil." He must protect children from horrible ghosts. The governess describes Miles and Flora as beautiful little cherubs whose only fault is their kindness (James, 18-19). Heilman sees the beauty of children as a "symbol of the spiritual perfection of which man is capable." Heilman explains the ghosts' attempts to reach children by explaining that evil forces will always try to conquer and possess the human soul. Heilman continues to draw on descriptions of Miles and Flora to support his theories. He underlines that the two children are described as having an "angelic beauty" and a "positive scent of purity" (James 9, 13). The housekeeper describes them as being perfect and beautiful in every way. This repeated vision of beauty, splendor and innocence parallels the image of Eden. Bly's house also resembles this image: "I remember the meadow and the bright flowers..." (James 7). The governess mentions Flora's "golden sky" and "golden hair," which Heilman believes connects Bly and Flora with these golden-tinged images (James 7, 9). Robert Heilman perceives that Peter Quint's ghost is a direct representation of the serpent that haunts the Garden of Eden. Heilman supports this with the description of Quint found in the text: "His eyes are sharp, strangely terribly; .