1. Creating an Atmosphere of Gothic Romance:
* "Udolpho": The novel refers specifically to "the old house" being similar to the castle in Udolpho, a gothic novel by Ann Radcliffe. This instantly evokes a sense of mystery, suspense, and the potential for supernatural events within the isolated setting.
* "Jane Eyre": The reference to "Jane Eyre" in the context of "a governess" highlights a similar theme of a young woman in a confined environment, facing social and psychological challenges.
2. Intertextuality and Allusion:
* By alluding to these iconic gothic works, James creates a "dialogue" with literary tradition. He invites the reader to compare and contrast the narratives, questioning the boundaries between reality and imagination, and exploring the nature of fear and perception.
3. Playing with Reader Expectations:
* The references to "Udolpho" and "Jane Eyre" set up certain expectations in the reader. The gothic elements and the governess's isolated situation might lead the reader to anticipate a conventional ghost story, only for James to subvert those expectations by blurring the lines between the real and the imagined.
4. The Governess's Obsession with the Past:
* The governess's fascination with the past, particularly with "the old house" and the previous governess, suggests a connection to the gothic conventions of "Udolpho". Her preoccupation with the ghosts and the unsettling events at Bly might reflect her own internal anxieties and repressed desires.
5. The Theme of Interpretation:
* The references to "Udolpho" and "Jane Eyre" also contribute to the ambiguity of the story. They raise questions about the nature of truth and interpretation, and how our own biases and preconceptions can shape our understanding of events.
In conclusion, James's use of these references is not just literary decoration, but rather a deliberate strategy that deepens the psychological complexity and thematic richness of The Turn of the Screw. He skillfully uses gothic tropes to create an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty, while simultaneously challenging the reader's assumptions and forcing them to confront the power of suggestion and the slipperiness of reality.