Henry James has a few ghost stories, but if we take 'The Jolly Corner' as an example of his best. The main character is Spencer Brydon. He is a man who returns to his old neighborhood in New York after a long absence. As he explores his former 'jolly corner', he encounters a strange apparition that he believes might be an alternate version of himself. His own self - exploration and the psychological turmoil he experiences in the face of this ghostly encounter are central to the story.
It depends on which of his ghost stories is considered the 'best' as he has several. But in 'The Turn of the Screw', the main characters are the governess, the two children Miles and Flora, and the mysterious apparitions that haunt the estate.
In Henry James' 'The Turn of the Screw', the central characters are the governess, who is in charge of the two children, Miles and Flora. The governess is a complex character, full of her own insecurities and a sense of duty. Miles and Flora, on the other hand, are these seemingly innocent children, but there are hints of something more sinister about them. Then there are the spectral figures that are the source of the ghostly happenings. Their presence is what drives the story forward and causes the governess to question her sanity and the safety of the children.
In many of Henry James' ghost stories, there are often characters who are in a state of flux or uncertainty. In 'The Jolly Corner', for example, Spencer Brydon is a main character. He returns to his old home in New York and starts to have strange encounters. He is a complex character, with a past that seems to be haunting him both literally and figuratively as he faces these ghost - like apparitions in his family's old house.
It varies from story to story. In some, like 'Daisy Miller', Daisy herself is a central character. She is an American girl in Europe, full of life and naivete. In other stories, there are often complex male and female characters who are dealing with issues of love, social status, and personal growth.
Well, in a typical James Dickey story with a ghost, there could be a local character who knows the history of the place where the ghost is said to haunt. This character might play a role in helping the main character understand the nature of the ghost. And of course, there would be the ghost itself as a sort of central, if not directly interacting, character. The main character could be someone who is new to the area or has some personal issues that make them more susceptible to the encounter with the ghost.
There are often American characters, especially young, innocent Americans. They might be traveling in Europe or encountering Europeans in America. For example, in some stories, there are young American women who are exposed to the more refined but sometimes devious European society. There are also European characters who represent the established, traditional ways of the Old World.
The psychological depth makes Henry James' best ghost story so captivating. His stories often delve deep into the minds of the characters, blurring the lines between the real and the supernatural. This creates a sense of unease and mystery that draws the reader in.
Henry James' governess ghost stories are often characterized by their psychological depth. The governess in his stories usually experiences a great deal of internal turmoil. For example, in 'The Turn of the Screw', the governess believes she sees ghosts, but it's left ambiguous whether the ghosts are real or just a product of her over - active imagination. This ambiguity adds to the overall sense of unease and mystery in the story.
The ambiguity in Henry James' ghost stories is notable. He doesn't always clearly define whether the hauntings are real or just figments of the characters' imaginations. This leaves the readers to interpret and wonder. It also adds to the overall sense of unease as readers are constantly questioning what is truly happening.
In addition, 'The Aspern Papers' is often mentioned. While not as straightforwardly a 'ghost story' as the others, it has an air of mystery and a sort of spectral presence in the form of the papers of the long - dead poet Jeffrey Aspern. It has elements that draw readers interested in Henry James' ghostly tales.
He uses the unknown. By not clearly stating whether the ghosts are real or not, it creates suspense. We keep reading to find out if they are truly supernatural beings or something else.
Henry James is often known for his complex psychological portrayals. In 'Subject of a Ghost Story', he might bring his characteristic deep exploration of human nature. His writing style could add layers of mystery and ambiguity to the ghost story, making it not just about the supernatural but also about the inner workings of the characters involved.